Division Decision

Read Luke 12:1-59

49. “I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning!
50. I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished.
51. Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other!
52. From now on families will be split apart, three in favor of me, and two against—or two in favor and three against.
53. Father will be divided against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother; and mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” Luke 12:49-53

What topics generate heated debate in your family? Politics, for example, is completely off-limits for some family gatherings because of the potential for misunderstandings and hurt feelings. There are many issues upon which families can disagree.

In this reading, Jesus speaks about more than mere dinnertime discussions. A person’s relationship with God can—indeed, should—affect every earthly relationship. Sometimes the effect is negative, and Jesus wants his followers to be prepared. As you read, think of how your Christian faith has impacted your relationships.

Jesus came to bring strife and division, not peace. Wait—isn’t Jesus supposed to be a peacemaker? Did he not say to turn the other cheek when others insult or injure us? Didn’t he allow thugs to nail him to the cross? Why this talk of fighting? Why this bad news?

Jesus isn’t asking us to pick fights, to be obnoxious with our views, or to brag about being enlightened until people can’t stand to hear it anymore. He’s merely warning us that not everyone will want to follow him. Some will accept him while others will reject him. Unlike choosing a favorite color, recognizing God’s absolute authority, our sin, and Jesus’ claim on our lives radically changes us. Because these changes affect many areas of great consequence, they will often ripple through the close relationships in a family.

Be patient with those who are slow to respond to God’s gift of salvation or the changes he brings about in your life. Have faith that those loved ones who reject Christ may one day accept him. In the meantime endure their rejection, realizing that Christ understands what you are going through.