I have come to bring not peace but the sword. As Jesus continues with his ‘commissioning’ speech, he makes a statement that might have startled even the apostles themselves. They must have already become aware that their mission was not going to be an easy one, but at least they had found solace in the thought that it was going to be worth the sacrifices they would be forced to make. For their mission was that of making the world a better place. As friends and co-workers with Jesus, their mission was going to constitute the preaching of peaceful co-existence in the community. It is such an understanding that makes the statement by Jesus that he has not come to bring peace but the sword somehow confusing. What was going on?
The above statement was made by Jesus in the context of his giving instruction to those he was to send on mission. Jesus did not want to beat about the bush but rather wanted to prepare the apostles for what was lying in wait for them. The message that Jesus wanted them to bring to the ends of the earth (message of peace, tolerance, love, kindness, generosity, equality, sharing) was not going to be welcome by everyone. It was a message that was not only going to challenge its hearers but was also to demand something from them. It was a message that was going to challenge the status quo even as it was going to demand response from its hearers.  It was a message of change, a message that isn’t usually welcomed by many. It was probable that there would be some who would be naturally opposed to their message. But it was also probable that some would welcome their message of change. It is this that would lead to division even in a household.