DOES THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST BRING DIVISION?

 “SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER”

Daily Spiritual Reflections

21st October 2021

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THURSDAY, TWENTY NINTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Rom 6: 19-23; Ps 1: 1-4, 6; Lk 12: 49-53

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DOES THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST BRING DIVISION?

“Do you suppose that I am here to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” What does Jesus mean by this? The division which Jesus speaks of here has several interesting features. First, there is a division that occurs within the family, in which the closest human bonds are to be found. History has borne testimony to the fact that the gospel divides men and women, husbands and wives, parents and children, for faith in Christ requires a definitive allegiance to him. 

Second, there is a polarization which is described, so that it is not “one against one,” or to follow the imagery established by our Lord, “one against four,” but “two against three” and “three against two.” Those who have come to faith in Christ will join together, while those who have rejected Christ will also find a new bond, a new basis for unity, in opposition to Christ. This is how the Pharisees (the right-wing conservatives of that day) and the Sadducees (the liberals) could join together in rejecting Christ and in opposing him, and ultimately in orchestrating (humanly speaking) his death. 

Third, there is some allusion to the role of “authority” in this division. The division described out in these verses is all within the family, but it also crosses lines of authority. Fathers have authority over sons, as mothers have authority over daughters. Allegiance to Christ takes precedence over all other authority. Normally, we would expect that the Christian’s faith would enhance his or her obedience to those in authority, as we see the Scriptures teaching (cf. Eph 5:21–6:10), but there will be times when we must obey God rather than men, and in these instances, division will occur, as well as at other times. An unbelieving father will find it difficult to accept when his son now feels his ultimate responsibility is to obey God and to please Him, putting earthly allegiance and duty on a lower level.

Response: Blessed the man who has placed his trust in the Lord.

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