When Jesus Divides

“Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, 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.” - Luke 12:51-53

These are Jesus’ own words. They are not very comforting to read. It is the truth that having a relationship and confessing Jesus as our Lord could cause division in our relationships. Our relationship with Jesus may cause others to hate us because not everyone believes what the Bible says about Him. Some believe He was only a role model. Others who worship false gods may think following Jesus would cause their gods to be angry. That would cause division in families, especially between a father and a son or between a mom and her daughters, if they found out their loved one is worshipping a different god.

Jesus never promised peace among people. His main purpose was to defeat the devil’s work and to save people from eternal punishment (John 3:16, 1 John 3:8). Another reminder from Jesus is in Matthew 10:22 and again in Luke 21:17, “All people will hate you because you follow me.” If we follow Jesus, expect people to not like us because we now stand up for the truth of God and have become an enemy of the devil. The devil is the one who is really trying to hurt and separate people (Ephesians 6:11-12).

Here are some great reminders of God’s promises if we struggle with loneliness if someone we love abandons us:

“The Lord himself will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forget you. Don’t be afraid and don’t worry.”- Deuteronomy 31:8

“You, Lord, give true peace to those who depend on You, because they trust You.”- Isaiah 26:3

Prayer of the day:

Dear heavenly Father,

You never promised that Jesus came to bring unity among people. Sometimes, He will cause division in families, for friends and in the world. We are sinners that need Jesus even if the people in our life disapprove or dislike our relationship with Him. Please help our loved ones, friends and the world see how important He is for our salvation. Nothing else can save us but Jesus. In His great name we pray, Amen!