Note 4 at Mt. 10:34: This statement seems like a contradiction to some prophecies concerning Jesus (Ps. 72:7; 85:10; Isa. 9:6-7; Lk. 2:14) and some of Jesus' own statements concerning peace (Jn. 14:27; 16:33) as well as what was written of Him in the New Testament epistles (Rom. 5:1; 14:17-19; Eph. 2:14-17; 4:3; Phil. 4:7; Col. 3:15; Heb. 12:14). However, the peace that Jesus purchased was peace between God and man. We have peace with God (Rom. 5:1). We are exhorted to take this peace and extend it to all men (Rom. 12:18; Heb. 12:14), but it is also made very clear that not all men will receive it (; 2 Tim. 3:12). Therefore, as Jesus is explaining here, the gospel will always produce opposition from those who don't receive it.

This "sword of division," even among family members, is not God's will, nor is it God that causes it, but it will inevitably come and Jesus is simply preparing His disciples. As much as we would like to see everyone receive the good news, we must not think it's strange when even our loved ones don't receive it. Jesus was rejected by His own (Jn. 1:11) and we will be also (Mt. 10:24-25). We must remain faithful to keep preaching the gospel, for there are others who will receive.