Jesus, the Divider

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on Earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to `set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.' And `a man's foes will be those of his own household.' He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me." (Matthew 10:34-38)

Jesus was no trumpeter for politically correct thought or speech. He did not hesitate to draw a line in the sand, so to speak, and stated resolutely, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad." (Matthew 12:30) It is only through our acceptance of Him as our Savior that we have any chance of coming to the Father. And if we are not with the Father then come judgment day we will be cast into outer darkness where "There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out." (Luke 13:28)

Jesus also had no problem saying, "If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever would save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for My sake shall find it." (Matthew 16:24-25) Additionally, He said, "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)

With Jesus we know that we can find the way (the way: a well-worn path) through the narrow gate unto eternal life, for it is found in Christ Himself: "I am the way, (emphasis mine) the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6b) Jesus did not say He was one of the ways, or one of many ways. Neither did He say, "Let's just agree to disagree." On the contrary, He was very exclusive in His statement. Once again, Jesus was no poster child for political correctness! And when it comes to matters of doctrine involving lost souls, we must do no less than Jesus, and hold fast to "…the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." (Jude 3b) For in doing so we will be able to hear the following words on that great day, "Well done, good and faithful servant: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." (Matthew 25:31)

May the Lord bless you!