Transcript

The Prince of Peace Wields a Sword of Division-Part Two

John 5:1-52
Sunday, March 2, 2003
Pastor Randy Smith

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Though a paradox, the Prince of Peace has come into this world to wield a sword of division. In response to His message, Jesus Christ will separate all of humanity into two distinct and clearly defined camps. Those camps are identified by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians when he said, "Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever" (2 Cor. 6:14-15)?

Last week in John chapter 7, we observed individuals aligning themselves in either camp. The division occurred among different people groups as they responded to the gospel or more specifically, the Person of Jesus Christ. Among His family, Mary appeared to be on His side, but His own brothers mocked Him and tested Him and criticized Him (vs. 3-5). Among the travelers to the Feast in Jerusalem, some were saying that Jesus was a "good man" (vs. 12) and "the Prophet" (vs. 40) and "the Christ" (vs. 41), while others insisted, "He leads the people astray" (vs. 12) and therefore they "wanted to seize Him" (vs. 44). Among the residents in Jerusalem, the citizens differed with the conclusions drawn by their leaders. Some thought He was the Christ (vs. 26), while others dismissed the claim (vs. 27). Among the temple precincts, the officers were amazed at His teaching (vs. 46), but the religious leaders sought to take His life (vs. 1, 19); except Nicodemus, who favored Jesus (vs. 50) and accused His colleagues of misrepresenting the Law (vs. 51).

Like rain that falls together on the Continental Divide only to part company and travel either east or west, Jesus Christ has become the Great Divider among humans. But why? Why has the Prince of Peace wielded a sword of division? As I promised last week, the objective of this morning's message, as we prepare our hearts for Communion, is to answer that question and provide related application.

1. JESUS CHRIST - THE GREAT DIVIDER

Let's begin with the first point, Jesus Christ-The Great Divider.

The fact that Jesus Christ divides the human race should not come as a great surprise to us. After all, He was prophesized to be "a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense" (1 Pet. 2:8; c.f. Isa. 8:14). The aged Simeon when He held the Christ-child in his arms said to Mary (the mother of Jesus), "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed-- and a sword will pierce even your own soul-- to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed" (Lk. 2:34-35). Jesus Himself remarked, "Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword (elsewhere in Luke's parallel, Jesus uses the word 'division'). For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's enemies will be the members of his household" (Mt. 10:34-36; c.f. Lk. 12:51-52). The reality of this truth is witnessed throughout the gospels. In response to His birth, John 7:43, "So a division occurred in the crowd because of Him." In response to His actions, John 9:16, "And there was a division among them." In response to His teaching, John 10:19, "A division occurred again among the Jews because of (His) words."

Now we must understand this division was not the primary purpose of His coming. Jesus as we know came to bring peace. Division, however, is the effect of His ministry.

So where is the offense? What brings the division? The offense is not found in His appearance. Obviously the offense was not found in His lifestyle either, since He is sinless. The offense is found in His message, or as it is commonly called, "the Gospel."

Jesus Christ identifies every human being as a rebel. He acknowledges that since we can't ever work our way to a holy God, He must come on a rescue mission to save us from God's wrath. He would be forced to bear our sins on a cruel Roman instrument of torture. Eternal life then would be found when people completely surrendered themselves to His and only His lordship.

Offense!

To this message some of Jewish blood cry out: "The Messiah who is to come in power and majesty to establish a mighty kingdom and overthrow our oppressors is to die in the hands of such people? A crucified Messiah? We know that such a person who hangs on a tree is cursed by God (Dt. 21:23)! The message is scandalous and the height of spiritual insensitivity. It is a stumbling block (1 Cor. 1:23)!"

But the Apostle Paul said, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us-- for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (Gal. 3:13)'"

To this message some of Roman blood cry out: "To worship One who has been identified as an enemy to Rome and nailed to a cross is treason, much less sheer nonsense. Such a Man is not on par with our mighty gods and certainly not Savior and Lord!"

But the Apostle Paul said, "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified…But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world" (1 Cor. 2:2; Gal. 6:14).

To this message some of Greek blood cry out: "This teaching is illogical. It is inconceivable that a god could take on human flesh, which is inherently evil. It is inconceivable that a god would care so much for humanity. It is inconceivable that a god would die on a cross. Such a message is foolish (1 Cor. 1:23) and is to be rejected on intellectual grounds."

But the Apostle Paul said, "For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God…and wisdom of God" (1 Cor. 1:18, 24).

To this message some of postmodern blood cry out: "Only one way to God? Do you mean to tell me that you're right and every other religion in the world is wrong? That is the epitome of bigotry and insensitivity. There is no such thing as one absolute truth. God loves all people and accepts any faith as long as it is genuine and sincere."

But Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me…You will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He" (Jn. 14:6; 8:24)

To this message some of prideful blood cry out: "What? How dare you call me a sinner! How dare you say that I cannot achieve my own way to heaven! I'm a good person and I esteem myself highly. I don't care for your words of repentance, self-denial and depravity, and lordship and submission and surrender? Let's get something straight; I'm in control of my life. I do what I want to do, when I want to do it!"

But Jesus said (using hyperbole), "If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple…No servant can serve two masters…I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish" (Lk. 14:26; 16:13; 13:3).

In just a brief sampling, I hope you can see how Jesus Christ can be so divisive. Therefore, don't be surprised when people reject both you and the Gospel you share. Realize they are ultimately rejecting Jesus (1 Thes. 4:8).

2. JESUS CHRIST - THE GREAT PEACEMAKER

But lest our minds be led astray, let's move to point #2, Jesus Christ-The Great Peacemaker.

Though Jesus Christ brings division based upon His message, we must never forget that: He was prophesized to be the "Prince of Peace" (Isa. 9:6) "to guide our feet into the way of peace" (Lk. 1:79). He "made peace through the blood of His cross" (Col. 1:20). He "preached peace" (Eph. 2:17) whereby His message is called "the gospel of peace" (Eph. 6:15). As a result of our salvation, "We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 5:1), "multiplied" (Jude 1:2) and "in the fullest measure" (1 Pet. 1:2). For those who trust Jesus, "He Himself is our peace" (Eph. 2:14). Furthermore, His peace He gives to us (Jn. 14:27) through the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit who produces peace (Gal. 5:22). Therefore we are commanded to "let the peace of Christ rule in (our) hearts" (Col. 3:15) since we belong to a kingdom of peace (Rom. 14:17).

To gain a better understanding of the peace that is now ours in Christ, we need to separate our minds from the modern conception of peace. To most people, peace is defined as the absence of conflict (either on a global level or a personal level). But based upon that definition, no human on this fallen planet plagued with sickness and war and toil and relationship discord will ever be at peace. However, biblical peace is not dependent on circumstances. It transcends the worst trials this world has to offer. Biblical peace is a state of the soul received when one enters a right relationship with God. It's a received promise, a confidence that all is well.

You see, natural man is at war with God. A horizontal barrier called sin exists which separates him from his Creator. But Jesus Christ has destroyed that barrier through His work on the cross. Colossians 1:20 says, "And through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross." Therefore, the one who has faith in Christ now enjoys the "peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension" (Phil. 4:7) realizing, his relationship with God has been restored, his sins have been forgiven and his guilt has been removed. And because the sovereign God is now his Father, He who was formerly against us is now for us (Rom. 8:31). He clings to the promise that "all things work together for good" (Rom. 8:28). Therefore, he rejoices always (Phil. 4:4), give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thes. 5:18) and considers his trials all joy (Jas. 1:2). Regardless of what comes his way, his peace is immovable and everlasting, based upon the promise of God that all is well.

In the 1870s Horatio Spafford was a successful Chicago lawyer and a close friend of evangelist Dwight L. Moody. Spafford had invested heavily in real estate, but the Chicago fire of 1871 wiped out his holdings. His son died shortly before the disaster. Spafford and his family desperately needed a rest so in 1873 he planned a trip to Europe with his wife and four daughters. While in Great Britain he also hoped to help Moody and Sankey with their evangelistic tour. Last minute business caused Spafford to delay his departure, but he sent his wife and four daughters on the S.S. Ville Du Havre as scheduled, promising to follow in a few days. On November 22 the English ship Lochearn struck the ship, and it sank in twelve minutes. Several days later the survivors landed at Cardiff, Wales, and Mrs. Spafford cabled her husband the brief message, "Saved alone."

When Horatio Spafford made the ocean crossing to meet his grieving wife, he sailed near the place where his four daughters had sunk to the ocean depths. There, in the midst of his sorrow, he wrote these unforgettable words that have brought solace to so many in grief:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll,
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful" (Jn. 14:27). "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world" (Jn. 16:33). We enjoy this peace because we have faith in the promises of God. We have been reconciled with God. We trust the love and goodness of God. And we believe that He is wise and able to work all things together for our good and His glory.

3. JESUS CHRIST - THE GREAT UNIFIER

As we move to point #3, let's put the first two points together and draw an application for our church. Point #1, Jesus Christ has divided the world into two camps, those who are for Him and those who are against Him. Point #2, those who are for Jesus, the church, have received His peace because of His work on the cross. Therefore, we (the church) should demonstrate the peace we have received from Jesus especially in our relationships with those who have received a similar peace themselves.

Throughout the Bible we read of the command for the church to be at peace with each other. From a negative perspective: 2 Corinthians 12:20, "For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you to be not what I wish and may be found by you to be not what you wish; that perhaps there will be strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances." 1 Corinthians 1:10-11, "Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe's people, that there are quarrels among you." Titus 3:10, "Reject a factious man after a first and second warning." From a positive perspective: Mark 9:50, "Be at peace with one another." 2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Ephesians 4:3 "(Be) diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Why? Why is it crucial for the church to live in peace (and might I add, NEVER at the expense of truth)? Let me briefly give you four reasons.

1. Divided Kingdom

The church must be unified to accomplish her commission. Jesus said, "Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand" (Mt. 12:25). Any church in conflict will fight itself rather than fight the "spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Eph. 6:12). Such a church will not be victorious nor overcome.

2. Deeds of the Flesh

Galatians 5:20 identifies "enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions (and) factions" as deeds of the flesh. Those in the flesh cannot please God (Rom. 8:8). We are called to please God by walking in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16). A fruit of the Spirit is peace (Gal. 5:22).

3. Death in Vain

Ephesians 2:16 says that Jesus came to "reconcile (all people) in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity (between people in the church)." Obviously, division in the church shows that the death of Christ was in vain. It shows His suffering has no influence on our sin. It shows that we are not one in Christ since divisions still occur (Gal. 3:28).

4. Demonstrate the Glory of God

The purpose of the church is to display the glory of God (Eph. 3:21). His power is not evident, and He is shown to be a liar when we fail to demonstrate what His word says we have received. Romans 1:29 says that before Christ we were "full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice (and gossip)." Therefore, what does it say about the transforming power of God when we still practice these sins? It either shows we have not received His grace, or His grace does not abound where sin is present (Rom. 5:20).

For the sake of Jesus Christ, harmony, unity, reconciliation are imperatives for the church. There is absolutely no room for unmended relationships (Phil. 2:2; 4:2). We are all "one in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3:28). We are of the same family (Mk. 3:32-35). We are on the same team in a common war with a common objective (Phil. 2:2).

May we demonstrate the work of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, by showing the world and ourselves which camp we are in, as we magnify the peace we have received from Christ, all to the glory of God.