The Cost of Discipleship
🕊️ "Not Peace, But a Sword" – The Cost of Discipleship Text : Matthew 10:34–36 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword...” 1. Introduction: The Surprising Statement of Jesus We often associate Jesus with peace (Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:14). Yet here He says, “I did not come to bring peace.” What does this mean? Is Jesus contradicting Himself? 2. Peace With God, Not Always With Man Romans 5:1 — Jesus brings peace with God through salvation. But this peace with God often leads to conflict with the world (John 15:18–20). When we follow Jesus, we no longer follow the world — this causes tension. 3. The Sword of Division (Not Violence) The “sword” is symbolic — it divides. Hebrews 4:12 — The Word of God is like a sword that cuts the heart. Jesus’ truth separates light from darkness, loyalty from compromise. 4. Family Conflict is Real (vv. 35–36) Jesus quotes Micah 7:6 — prophecy of...