A.There are several paradoxes in the gospel of Christ.
1.A paradox is a statement or a situation that appears to be contradictory, but it is in fact true and correct.
2.The cross itself is a paradox.In it, we see the beauty of the love of God, and we see the ugliness of sin at the same time.
3.Another paradox is discipleship toward Christ.Jesus said, “He who loves his life will lose it; and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life” (John 12:25).See also Matthew 10:39; 16:25.
B.In our present study, we will see how that Jesus Himself is a paradox, for He is the Prince of Peace, and yet He is armed with a mighty sword.
II.THE PRINCE OF PEACE WITH A SWORD
A.Let us consider two passages of Scripture that reveal the paradox of Jesus Christ.
1.First notice Isaiah 9:6-7, where a prophecy was given about the Christ in which Isaiah called Him the “Prince of Peace.” Isaiah said, “There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace.”
2.Now consider Matthew 10:34-39, where Jesus said that His own purpose for coming was not to bring peace, but rather He came to bring a sword.
3.Are these passages in conflict?Not at all, for according to the good rules of hermeneutics, any interpretation of two passages of Scripture that puts them in conflict with one another is an incorrect interpretation.So then, how can these passages harmonize with one another?
B.Context is the key to understanding and harmonizing these passages.
1.Jesus is indeed the Prince of Peace, but it is a specific kind of peace that He provides.
a.Paul explains the peace that is in Christ in Ephesians 2:11-18.
i.One kind of peace that Jesus has brought is between Jews and Gentiles.They have been combined into one body (the church), and the enmity (the Law of Moses) has been removed.
ii.Another kind of peace that He has brought is between all of mankind (both Jews and Gentiles) and God Himself.We have all been reconciled to Him (our friendly relationship has been restored).Our sin severed the relationship (Isa. 59:2), but Christ restored it.
b.So then, in the context of Isaiah 9, the government or kingdom of Christ is considered, and in that context there will be everlasting peace among citizens of the kingdom and God.
2.On the other hand, the person of Jesus is a source of division between men on Earth.
a.Luke 12:49-53 is a similar passage to Matthew 10:34-39.In Luke’s record, the term “division” is used.In some ways, Jesus will cause the division of relationships between men.
i.In this passage, Jesus used the example of certain family relationships that would be severed because of Him.
ii.The cause of division is a difference in beliefs about Jesus and priorities.
1.Notice again Matthew 10:37.If a Christian must choose between a beloved but unbelieving family member and Jesus, his priority must be to choose Jesus.He must love Jesus more.
2.Many times, those choices have been made and divisions have resulted because of Christ.
iii.Jesus experienced such division Himself within His own family, for His own brothers did not believe in Him (John 7:5). They even criticized Him, but He remained true to the cause of His Father in heaven.
b.So then, when Christ said that He came to bring a sword, He was indicating the division that would occur between those who believe and those who do not believe.This division would be to such a degree that even natural, loving relationships would be severed because of Him.
C.Let us consider more carefully Jesus’ use of the term “sword.”
1.A sword is a hand held weapon consisting of a blade (often double-edge) with a sharp point set at a hilt with a handle.When used, a sword will slice and cut whatever it strikes.It can be terrifically destructive, even as far as severing limbs from opponents.
2.It is obvious that Jesus did not come bearing a literal sword.In fact, when Peter attempted to defend the Lord with a sword, Jesus rebuked Him (Matt. 26:51-52).
3.Therefore, let us understand what the sword represents as a figure in the Lord’s teachings.
a.In several passages of Scripture (Isa. 49:2; Rev. 1:12-20; 2:12-16; 19:11-16), there is a recurring figure of a sword coming forth from the Christ’s mouth.
b.The connection of the sword with the mouth of the Lord makes it apparent that this refers to the word of God that Christ spoke.
4.Indeed, the word of God is like a sword.
a.It is called the sword of the Spirit, which is a vital part of the armor of God (Eph. 6:17).
b.It is the whole message about Jesus the Christ that causes division between men but peace between God and man.
D.Why does the word of God, the sword, cause division?
1.It delineates between right and wrong.
2.It delineates between good and evil.
3.It delineates between righteousness and wickedness.
4.It separates the believers from the unbelievers.
E.The word of God is also a sword in a personal way, piercing the soul.
1.See Hebrews 4:1-2, 11-13.Unlike the unbelieving Jews in the wilderness, Christians are encouraged to be faithful and obedient to God’s word so as to enter God’s rest.This is because the word of God will reveal all that is in the heart of man.
2.Consider Acts 2:37.When these Jews heard the gospel preached on Pentecost, they were “cut to the heart” or “pierced to the heart.”This was the sword in action.
F.The word of God is also that which will pronounce judgment on all men and nations and separate the saved from the lost.
1.This is the meaning of the figure of a sword used in Isaiah 49:1-4 and Revelation 19:11-16.
2.In connection with this, notice that Jesus said, “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day” (John 12:48).Once again, we see that the Prince’s sword shall swing.
III.CONCLUSION
A.An interesting thing about the sword of Christ is that it can be used against us, but it can also be used to defend us.
1.It may pierce us through, but that can be a blessing if we react as those Jews on Pentecost, saying “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).
2.It may reveal the thoughts of our hearts, but that can be a blessing if we make our hearts pure (Jas. 1:21-25).
3.In fact, we are admonished to take up the sword of the Spirit in our battle against Satan and his forces (Eph. 6:17).Like Christ, the word of God should be our weapon against Satan (Matt. 4:1-11).
B.Therefore, let us experience the peace that Christ came to establish in His kingdom, but also let us understand and respect His mighty sword.
