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An Enigmatic Statement

Text: Matthew 10 : 32- 42

Jesus was a Master-Teacher indeed! He always managed to speak in such a way that He arrests the attention of His audience. One of the ways in which He spoke was to startle His hearer! Consider this example.

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth.
I did not come to bring peace but a sword.”
Matthew 10:34

How should we understand these words? For that matter, how may we understand the many enigmatic sayings of Jesus?

1. Seeming Contradiction

We must not allow ourselves to become careless readers. If we read carelessly, we will think that Jesus contradicted Himself from time to time. That is not true! He never contradicted Himself at any time. There will appear to be “seeming contradictions” but the careful reader is able to make sense of the enigmatic statements of Jesus and appreciate them too.

2. Definite Contexts

Jesus always spoke definite contexts in mind. Let us look at some of the contexts that Jesus had in mind at all times.

a) The framework of a Biblical context

This was something Jesus uttered at the beginning of His discourse known as The Sermon on the Mount. He told His listeners that He had not come to destroy the law and the prophets but to fulfil it.

b) A well-integrated theological context

Jesus expounded the Scriptures (Old Testament). He emphasized it and lived its teachings out in His life. He went to teach as One who possessed authority within Himself. The Old Testament and the Teachings of Jesus complement each other. Together they form a harmonious and well-integrated theological whole.

3. Special Application

As Jesus taught, His keen mind applied the Word taught in different situations. The Teacher was no wooden literalist! He had the most dynamic approach ever! He could compel full attention from the most tired mind!

Let us ponder over this puzzling word – how He had come not to bring peace but a sword. Surely He couldn’t mean that literally! How should His words be interpreted? How may He be understood?

a) The theme of “peace”

Jesus brought a wonderful message of peace. Let us highlight some of the aspects of peace.

i) Peace with God was obtained through repentance from sin.

ii) Peace was promised when suffering for Jesus.

iii) Peacemakers were considered specially blessed by God.

b) The Greeting of “Peace”

He did instruct His disciples to greet each household with the word “Peace”. If the home would receive them, the peace of God would be a special blessing to all.

c) Where there is Rejection of Jesus

However, not everybody would welcome Jesus and His disciples, nor the message of peace they proclaimed! To these people, Jesus must be rejected. Those who followed His teachings must also be destroyed!

d) Spiritual warfare

Jesus wanted His disciples to understand important lessons about spiritual warfare. The word “sword” was a martial symbol. It represented warfare most effectively.

No matter how some people may be drawn to the disciples because of the powerful message they proclaimed, they must never forget that a spiritual warfare was being waged against them. They must always be ready for the fact that people can suddenly turn against them!

4. Study every word Jesus spoke most carefully

When studying the enigmatic sayings of Jesus, it is important to pay close attention to every word He uttered. For example, Jesus said,

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth…”
Matthew 10:34

a) Earthly peace was not the goal Jesus had in mind

This was the point Jesus wanted to emphasise to His disciples! How easy it would be to preach a social Gospel, where “peace on earth” is the main concern.

b) Eternal peace was the goal that Jesus emphasized

This was the real goal that Jesus pursued. He knew that earthly peace was an illusive goal. As long as sin and evil existed in the world, there would never be lasting peace on earth.

However, peace with God, peace from God – were things that were available to all who sought them. The way to obtain peace in the heart and mind was to be found through faith in Jesus as the Saviour and Lord. The disciples must be prepared to enter into spiritual warfare to bring about spiritual and eternal peace.