Normally when we consider the concept of division we do so in a negative light. We think of verses such as Proverbs 6:19 where the Scripture condemns the one who sows discord among the brethren. Paul had written to the church at Corinth to correct the problem of divisions within that church. (1 Co. 1:10)
However, this morning I want to draw your attention to a passage of Scripture where the Lord Jesus Christ declares that He came not to bring peace, but to bring division! Read: Luke 12:49-53
What about the message of the angels at His birth? Didn't they say glory to God and peace on earth? Yes, but their message had to do with the ultimate peace that He will bring when He comes to establish His kingdom on earth. The first time He came, as the Lamb of God who would be the sacrifice for man's sin. The next time He comes it will be as the Lion of the tribe of Judah.
(Luke 12:51) Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
I. Christ was a divider at His birth
A. He divided time
1. The measurement of time centers upon our Lord Jesus Christ
2. Every time you see a date in history it is referenced to the birth of Christ
3. Even the agnostics and atheists must daily confront this fact
4. B.C. = before Christ; A.D. = anno domni or the your of our Lord
B. He divided men
1. Herod and the wise men.
2. Herod told them to return to him with information about the whereabouts of the Christ
3. However they were warned by Cod not to return to Herod and they departed for their own country
C. He divided light from darkness
1. At His birth the darkness of night was interrupted with the glorious light from heaven.
(Luke 2:8-9) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
2. This was simply an example of how His life would impact the darkness that filled the lives of all mankind.
3. Note John's Gospel
(John 1:4-5) In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
II. Christ was a divider in His ministry
A. 'He was a divider in His teaching
1. A point of consistent division was between Jesus and, the established religionists.
(John 7:11-12) Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.
a. Those in the synagogue were offended by His teaching
b. They doubted His authority
(Matthew 13:55) Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
2. Even those who followed Jesus were divided
a. There would be division among His disciples
b. Some of Jesus' teachings were hard sayings
(John 6:60) Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
c. As a result many refused to follow Him.
(John 6:66-67) From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
d. But this division revealed His true disciples.
e. Note Peter's response:
(John 6:68) Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
3. It is much the same today
a. Most people like Jesus' teachings on love
b. But they refuse to accept His teachings on repentance
c. They like 'For God so loved. the world...' but bristle at 'Ye must be born again'
B. He was a divider in His miracles
1. It was no trouble to dispute His teachings - but His miracles presented quite a problem.
2. The Pharisees could not dispute the miracles so they questioned His authority
(John 9:16) Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.
(Matthew 12:24) But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
3. Men today are still divided.
a. They cannot accept the miracles of Jesus so
b. They attempt to explain them away often by
c. Trying to discredit the Lord Jesus Christ
d. Recent articles are evidence, "In search of the real Jesus?'
C. He was a divider even in His death
1. In His trial
a. The people had to choose between Jesus and Barabbas
b. Pilate and Herod, were divided over who would try Jesus
c. Pilate and his wife were divided over Jesus d. Pilate and the Jews were divided
2. In His death
a. He divided the two thieves
b. He divided heaven and hell
c. His death is the divider of all men's eternal destinies - those who reject Him will spend eternity in Hell - those who accent Him will have eternal life
3. In His resurrection
a. He divided death and, hell
b. He divided His own disciples - they doubted
c. He divided the chief elders - they paid the soldiers to lie and say He was stolen not risen
III. Christ will be a divider when He returns
A. The rapture
(1 Thessalonians 4:16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1. He will catch away those 'in Christ'
2. He will leave behind those who have refused to accept Him
B. The Second Advent
1. The Mount of Olives will be divided
(Zechariah 14:3-4) Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
2. The saved and lost will be separated between the lake of fire and eternal life with the Lord.
(Revelation 20:15) And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Christ is a divider. As a matter of fact, He has divided this group of people gathered here in this auditorium this morning.
His coming will divide neighbors, friends, and families. Children will be divided from their parents, and husbands will be divided from their wives. Is that an uncomfortable thought? Come to Jesus by faith today.
Christian, is it uncomfortable to think of your family members separated for all eternity? Without Jesus that is not a possibility, it is a fact! For those who have never come to Jesus Christ by faith, their eternity will be one of eternal loss in a place we call hell.