The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all).
//I got into a discussion the other day about whether or not Jesus meant for his disciples to spread peace. We were talking about whether doctrinal differences–even major differences–should be allowed to draw lines between Christians. The discussion centered on this saying by Jesus: “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”
Now, I don’t know for sure what this verse means–I have an opinion which I’ll share with you tomorrow–but the question today is, should we let one confusing verse overturn a multitude of verses in which Jesus preached peace? Some of these verses are quite direct:
Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. –Mark 9:50
The argument put forth by some is that we should strive for peace with those who follow Jesus, but not with those who don’t. Therefore, if a person doesn’t agree with our church’s interpretation of the doctrine of Christ, it’s time to unsheath the sword, right?
I doubt it. To let doctrine divide us is contrary to the “way:” Jesus came to “guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:79)
We’ll talk about the sword tomorrow.
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