The atheist who posted this graphic online might be disappointed to find out that when I saw it, I felt flushed with gladness.
I love opportunities to reveal the truth about what Jesus of Nazareth (who many people believe is the Divine Son of God) was – and is – all about.
The “verse” referred to here is from one of the original source documents of Jesus’ physical life on earth. Not only is it dead-on accurate, it’s NOT, as the atheist supposes a Christian declaring, out of context.
But exactly what is that context?
I get the feeling the atheist believes it means Jesus came to commit violence, start wars, fuel the fires of ugly tribalism – you know, all the unpleasant deeds carried out by certain charismatic leaders (read: Osama Bin Laden).
But anyone who knows anything about the original source documents of His life will admit that nowhere does Jesus start or participate in wars. Nowhere does He kill even one person and nowhere does He even injure anyone slightly.
That’s right, not even tripping anyone (and goodness knows, there were a lot of people who intensely disliked Jesus and probably deserved to be tripped). In fact, there isn’t a single word in the original source documents about Jesus even touching a sword.
There is, however, a scene where one of Jesus’ followers cuts off the ear of a Roman soldier who was part of a nighttime posse that came to arrest Jesus on false charges. What did Jesus do? He healed the guy’s ear.
OK, so the whole atheist premise of this graphic is false.
But here’s what’s true: deciding to follow Jesus often does NOT bring peace – not at first. And following Jesus often divides, just like a sword divides.
Here’s the simplest example: when I decided to follow Jesus in 2002, it divided me from my biological family – none of whom follow Jesus.
And at the time, I felt anything but peace because they didn’t (and still don’t) understand what I’ve done and why. In fact, they don’t really want to know, because our culture tells them to never think about anything related to faith.
Jesus knew – and knows – that His way is NOT the way of the world. Lose your life to gain it? Love your enemies and pray for them? Follow Jesus and get eternal life in Heaven?
All these concepts are poison to our culture, which insists that:
- Enemies should be hated and trampled
- The key to life is gaining possessions, power and multiple sexual partners
- Wondering what happens to us when we die is stupid.
But maybe you’re at the stage of life where the trophies our culture offers seem…empty. Pointless. If that’s the case, then the way of Jesus is worth a serious investigation. Even if it divides you from family and friends.
Interested? Then post your thoughts below and let’s have a conversation.
Frank's Cottage 
A great explanation and word of truth. Thanks for setting this verse into the greater context of scripture. The sword our Lord speaks of is often a sharp scalpel that slices so cleanly there is no debris left behind. And it is always unto healing and life. Bless you.
You are very right in all you wrote and I am very impressed with your definition of that passage. I pray more will follow Christ before their calling card is pulled. If they were to read the whole Bible, I believe it’s in a section called “Isaiah” that God told him that he is in the darkness and that treasures can be found there in the darkness.
I am very happy I read this for this morning has been long an just started. I am watching my family be torn and divided since I was just baptized three days ago. So like you said, I know the road I must travel and I hope and pray they see it, because I don’t want their life to end here. Yet I will not and cannot turn back on the Lord. Have a blessed day.
I took the time and read your posting since I strongly believe in the golden rule of treating others as I would like others to treat me.
Although I believe you’re sincere in your beliefs, that doesn’t make them true. Here are a handful of links I think might be helpful in explaining my reasoning.
I don’t expect these videos to change your beliefs, but rather to perhaps give you a window in to the perspective of others, as I disagree with theists, but I can see where they’re coming from for I was once myself a devout Catholic.
youtu.be/rCFuhlnsF9c
youtu.be/u3jvINxIcwc
youtu.be/EZ2kGJk4Jo4
youtu.be/M5ZLuRYp8gk?t=32m37s
Thanks for reading and commenting. I did check out some of your links. The thing that continually occurs to me is Christianity – indeed, the very existence of God – can never, ever be proven. And I don’t believe that’s an accident.
If the God of the Bible could be proven, atheists like you would lose your freewill. And if God has made clear through the horrors of human history, He’s committed to the gift of freewill – no matter how many times we spit on it.
Christianity has always been – and I don’t see it changing – a mix of evidence and faith. I wrote several blogs about this mixture that I hope you and others find interesting: http://wp.me/p2wzRb-3i (“The Logic Of A Leap Of Faith”) and http://wp.me/p2wzRb-8c (“The Benefit Of The Doubt”).
Thanks for keeping the tone of your comment mature and respectful. I appreciate it. 🙂
P.S. I do know how the “other side” thinks when it comes to the God of the Bible. I only became a Christian at age 42, so a majority of my life has been lived as a secular person in a culture that dismissed Christianity.