by Dorcas Kulwa | 4 December 2019 08:46 am12
I DID NOT COME TO BRING PEACE TO THE WORLD, BUT DIVISION.
Why did Jesus say He did not come to bring peace to the world but division?
In Luke 12:51-53 (NIV) Jesus says:
“Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on, five in one family will be divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
This sounds harsh—how can Jesus, the “Prince of Peace,” say He brings division? Now look at
John 14:27 (NIV):
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
At first glance, it seems contradictory. One verse says Jesus brings division, another says He gives peace. The key to understanding this lies in the nature of the peace Jesus offers versus the peace of the world.
Jesus’ peace is a supernatural, spiritual peace—shalom—which means wholeness, completeness, and restoration with God. This peace is not simply the absence of conflict but the presence of God’s grace and reconciliation with Him through Christ (Romans 5:1).
However, because Jesus calls people to repentance and holiness, this new allegiance often causes conflict with worldly values, families, and social circles. The division Jesus speaks about is the natural fallout of a radical commitment to Him.
When a sinner repents and accepts Christ, two things happen:
Inner Peace:
The believer receives the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17), who brings deep, inner peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). This peace calms the conscience, fills the heart with hope, and replaces fear with joy. It is an unshakable peace rooted in a right relationship with God (Colossians 1:20).
Loss of Outward Peace:
At the same time, the believer may lose outward peace—peace with family, friends, or society. This is the division Jesus refers to in Luke 12. The Apostle Paul also warns in
2 Timothy 3:12 (NIV): “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Following Jesus often means standing apart from sinful practices, which can cause friction and even rejection.
Jesus never promised an easy path. In
Luke 9:23 (NIV) He said:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
Discipleship demands a willingness to endure relational conflict and sometimes alienation because of faithfulness to Christ. The “peace” of the world—acceptance, approval, and ease—often gives way to a higher peace that comes from God alone.
While the division Jesus speaks of is real, it is temporary and part of the sanctifying process. The inner peace and joy believers receive through the Holy Spirit are eternal and unshakeable.
Paul encourages believers in
Romans 8:35-39 (NIV):
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Jesus brings a peace that transcends circumstances and restores our relationship with God.But that peace can cause division with those who reject His lordship.True peace comes at the cost of losing worldly peace and approval.The Holy Spirit empowers us to endure these costs and walk in victorious peace.
May God help us to embrace this truth, endure the cost of discipleship, and live in the abundant peace of Christ.
Blessings in Jesus’ name.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2019/12/04/60235/
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