Matthew 10:24-42

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (v34). Because Jesus brings truth, He also brings conflict (“a sword”). Humans live in a murky world where good and evil are gray matters, and we survive by going along with the status quo. But Jesus didn’t do that; He spoke the truth about sin, heaven and hell, and God’s love.

Jesus called His followers to speak the truth, accepting whatever consequences (v16,28). Our motivation is love, and our goal is peace: reconciliation with the Father through the Son.