The purpose of the division that Jesus brings is a means of grace—intended to tear down relationships built upon the shifting sands of the "self," and to rebuild them upon the solid rock of "Christ." “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law” (Luke 12:51-53). (1) As I meditate on today’s text—Luke 12:51-53—I would like to reflect upon God’s Word by dividing it into two main points: (a) First, Jesus asked, “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth?” (Lk. 12:51a). (i) ...
