Luke 12:51-53 Divisive, by Faith

Luke 12:51-53 Divisive, by Faith

51 Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. 52 For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. 53 Father will be divided 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

When we hear the name Jesus, many of us instinctively associate it with peace, love, and unity. After all, didn’t the angels announce at His birth, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests”? (Luke 2:14).

Yet, in Luke 12:51-53, Jesus speaks of bringing not peace, but division. This passage is often startling and even troubling, but it contains a profound truth about the nature of Christ’s mission and its impact on humanity.

Today, we’ll explore this “sword of division” that Jesus describes, understanding why it arises, how it manifests, and how we as believers are called to respond. In doing so, we will focus on one particular source of division within the church: the dangers of false teaching and its authors.

The Nature of Division

Jesus’ words in Luke 12:51-53 confront us with an uncomfortable reality: the gospel is inherently divisive. Why? Because it demands a response. Jesus does not allow neutrality; He calls for complete allegiance. As He says in Matthew 12:30, “Whoever is not with me is against me.”

This divisiveness is not a flaw but a feature of the gospel. It exposes the human heart, separating those who surrender to Christ from those who resist Him. It divides even the closest relationships, as loyalty to Jesus often comes into conflict with cultural, familial, or personal expectations.

Within the church, this division can take many forms. While the gospel unites believers in Christ, it also creates a clear boundary between truth and error. One of the greatest threats to this unity is the presence of false teaching, which can lead individuals and even entire communities astray.

The Author of Division: False Teachers

Paul warns in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”

False teachers are a primary source of division within the church. They may appear sincere and persuasive, but their teachings often distort the gospel. They introduce subtle errors that grow into significant departures from biblical truth. This creates confusion, sows discord, and ultimately divides the body of Christ.

Consider some examples of how false teachings manifest today:

  • The Prosperity Gospel: This teaching reduces the gospel to a promise of health, wealth, and success, neglecting the call to take up our cross and follow Christ (Luke 9:23).
  • Moral Relativism: Some promote the idea that truth is subjective, undermining the authority of Scripture and leading to compromise on essential doctrines.
  • Legalism: Others add human traditions to the gospel, creating a burden of rules that Christ never intended.

These teachings appeal to our desires or fears, but they lead us away from the true Christ. As Jesus said, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” (Matthew 7:15).

Recognizing and Responding to Division

As followers of Christ, we are called to discern truth from error and guard against division caused by false teachings. This requires three key responses:

  • Commitment to God’s Word: The Bible is our ultimate authority. We must study it diligently, allowing it to shape our beliefs and guide our actions. As the psalmist says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).
  • Discernment through the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit equips us to recognize truth and resist deception. We must pray for wisdom and remain sensitive to His leading. “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13).
  • Courage to Stand Firm: Standing for truth is often uncomfortable. It may cost us relationships, reputations, or even safety. Yet, Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow Him. “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).

A Call to Unity in Truth

While Jesus’ mission inevitably creates division, His ultimate desire is to unite His followers in truth. Paul exhorts us in Ephesians 4:3-6 to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all.”

This unity, however, is not achieved by compromising truth for the sake of harmony. True unity is built on the foundation of the gospel. It requires us to confront false teachings lovingly but firmly, always seeking to restore rather than condemn. As Jude 1:3 urges, “Contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.”

Jesus’ words in Luke 12:51-53 remind us that His mission was never about superficial peace. It was about bringing the truth that saves, even at the cost of division. In a world and a church often marked by compromise and confusion, we must remain faithful to the gospel.

Let us commit ourselves to God’s Word, seek discernment through the Spirit, and stand courageously for truth. In doing so, we not only guard against division but also bear witness to the transformative power of Christ. And as we contend for the faith, let us always remember that our goal is not simply to win arguments but to bring others to the One who is the way, the truth, and the life.

To God be all the glory, now and forever.

Were you able to glean and grow from this message so God can be further glorified and His Kingdom magnified? If so, I would love to hear from you. Follow this link to get in touch… Let’s pray!

Lord Jesus,

You came not to bring peace as the world understands it but to ignite a holy fire within us.

Help us to embrace the call to follow You, even when it brings division or challenges in our relationships.

Strengthen our hearts to stand firm in truth, love, and faith, even when the cost is great.

May we seek unity in Your Spirit, even amidst earthly discord, and always strive to reflect Your light in a world longing for Your hope.

Amen.

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre

Posted in Bible Studies, Free Small Group Material and tagged , , , .

Daniel St.Pierre

Daniel St.Pierre is a born again child of God. A Canadian immigrant to the United States, Daniel considers himself "blessed to be a blessing" as the ministry he leads continues to reach thousands of souls each month, on a global scale since 2003.