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Question: Why did JESUS mention he came for division in Luke 12:49 onwards when He is apparently referred to as the “Prince of Peace”?

Profile: Asia, 19—25

Answered by: Linda Clifton, who has been a volunteer with us since August, 2019.

Answer: Greetings,

Thank you for this question regarding Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the Prince of Peace in Isaiah 9:6. He said of Himself, however, that He did not come to bring peace, but to bring division. How can these seemingly opposing statements both be true?

Jesus was called the Prince of Peace because His main purpose was to restore the standing with God that man lost due to Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden. God had instructed them that they were not to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. But Eve listened to Satan’s lies and she and Adam did eat of the forbidden tree. So then, man was no longer in fellowship with God as before. God had a plan, though, that would restore mankind to Himself. Jesus was God’s plan. Jesus willingly sacrificed His life for the purpose of restoring peace between God and man. He provided the way for all who would receive Him to be saved from their sins and saved from eternal punishment that sin would bring.

This peace that Jesus has made possible not only includes peace with God, but it also includes peace within the heart of the person (John 16:33; Acts 2:28). When a person accepts and follows Jesus Christ, the fruit of the Spirit begins to manifest in that person’s heart and life (Galatians 5:22-23). Notice, peace is part of the fruit of the Spirit.

And this peace that Jesus made possible also includes the ability to live at peace with others (Romans 12:18). However, everyone will not be able to co-exist peaceably. This is the division that Jesus spoke about. Because Christians are not of this world, their very presence can cause the hostile feelings of the world to erupt. This can be the case even with family members. In Matthew 10:34-36, Jesus says, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth . . . but a sword. . . And a person’s enemies will be those of his household.” Even so, believers can maintain a sense of peace in their hearts when they remember Jesus’ words, that He has already overcome the world (John 16:33).

I hope this has answered your question. If you have further questions, please be sure to let us know. For more insight on this topic, the following article may also be helpful. Please go to https: www.gotquestions.org/Prince-of-Peace.html

Blessings,

Linda