The Gospel and the Kingdom - Matthew - Jesus Instructions to Faithful Disciples - Part 3

 

TEXT: Matthew 10:34-36 ³⁴ “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. ³⁵ For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; ³⁶ and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’”

Today we’re continuing our series in Matthew and Jesus is apparently giving instructions to three kinds of Disciples – each living at a different time.

• ·      To former disciples living in the time He was with them
• ·      To future disciples living during the time of the Great Tribulation
• ·      To faithful disciples living throughout church history.

In today’s passage, we continue to deal with the faithful Disciples throughout the Church Age – that includes our time. He is speaking of our discipleship and persecution. We are considering five “C’s” in this passage over a few days. We have seen Jesus speak to the Certainty of persecution, and the Confidence we can have in persecution.

Today, in these verses we see Jesus speaking about the Conflict that He referring to. He speaks to the fact that when we align with Him, we can be certain that we will face tribulation and possible persecution – not a time of peace. He states that He is sending a sword instead of peace. What a challenging statement.

There are four types of peace mentioned in the Scripture

1. Romans 5:1 – Peace with God – “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ….” We enter by faith.
2. Romans 1:7 – Peace from God – “To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul’s showing the foundation of all peace.
3. Philippians 4:7- Peace of God – “…and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Inner peace.
4. Psalm 72:7 – Peace on Earth – “ In His days the righteous shall flourish, And abundance of peace….” Millennial peace.

Faith in Christ may turn even family members against each other. We must understand that Jesus doesn’t make glowing claims of “Follow me and everyone will love you, and all things will be smooth here on Earth.” He gives us the real picture, and we need to be prepared for when it happens in our lives.

Tomorrow, He will address the Conditions and Compensation in persecution, as we conclude this section of our study about being a part of Jesus’ Kingdom.