>>40722812here's the AI slop explanation for it:
>In Matthew 10:34, Jesus states, "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." This statement is not about advocating violence or war, but rather about the division that Jesus' teachings and presence would cause among people, even within families, as they chose to follow him or not. >Not literal sword:Jesus is not referring to a physical weapon of war. The Greek word used (machaira) can refer to a large knife used for cutting, similar to a butcher knife.
>Division, not violence:The "sword" symbolizes the division that would occur as people grapple with Jesus' message and make choices about their allegiance to him. This division could lead to conflict, even within families, as some would accept Jesus and others would reject him.
>Consequences of choice:Jesus' words highlight the serious implications of accepting or rejecting his teachings. It's not a call to violence, but a recognition that following Jesus would require difficult choices and could lead to conflict with those who do not share the same beliefs.
>Not a new idea:The idea of the Messiah bringing division rather than immediate peace was not entirely new. Some Jewish texts suggest that the Messiah would bring judgment and separation.
>Relevance today:This passage remains relevant as it speaks to the ongoing tension between faith and the world, and the need to make choices that align with one's beliefs, even when those choices are difficult or lead to conflict.