FAMILY CONFLICTS
DO JESUS JUSTIFY FAMILY CONFLICTS?
Biblical References:
1. Matthew 10:34-36: “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law – a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.'”
2. Luke 12:51-53: “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.”
3. Micah 7:6: “For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law – a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.”
Explanation and Meaning
Jesus did not actively promote family conflicts, but He acknowledged that following Him could lead to divisions within families. This teaching must be understood in the context of the radical nature of His message and the potential consequences of following Him. Jesus’ primary mission was to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to call people to follow Him, even if it meant facing opposition from their own families.
Contextual Background
During the time when the Gospels were written, Christians often faced severe persecution. Converting to Christianity or remaining faithful to Christ could lead to significant conflict within families, especially if some members rejected the new faith.
Old Testament Reference
Jesus’ words echo the prophecy in Micah 7:6, which states, “For the son belittles his father, the daughter rises up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; your enemies are members of your household.” Micah was describing the breakdown of social and familial relationships as a sign of the people’s estrangement from God. Jesus uses this imagery to illustrate the potential cost of discipleship.
REJECTION EXPERIENCE OF JESUS
Jesus faced rejection and persecution from his own family and neighbors due to his gospel message. Here are some key biblical references and explanations:
1. Rejection by his hometown of Nazareth:
When Jesus returned to preach in Nazareth, his hometown, he was rejected by the people who had known him since childhood. In Matthew 13:54-58, we read that the people were astonished at his teaching but took offense at him, saying “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son?” Jesus responded by saying “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” As a result, he did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
2. Rejection by his own family:
John 7:5 explicitly states that “not even his brothers believed in him.” This shows that Jesus faced skepticism and rejection even from his immediate family members early in his ministry.
3. General rejection by his own people:
John 1:11 summarizes the broader rejection Jesus faced: “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.” This refers to how Jesus, as the Jewish Messiah, was largely rejected by the Jewish people he came to save.
4. Persecution from religious leaders:
Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus facing constant opposition and persecution from the religious authorities of his day, particularly the Pharisees and Sadducees. This culminated in their plotting to kill him (Mt 26:3-4).
This rejection and persecution were part of Jesus’ earthly experience and ministry. He warned his followers that they would face similar treatment (Jn 15:18-20). However, Jesus persevered in his mission despite this opposition, ultimately fulfilling God’s plan for salvation through his death and resurrection.
MEANING AND MESSAGE FOR CHRISTIANS
1. Priority of Faith: Jesus emphasized that loyalty to Him should take precedence over family ties. This could lead to conflicts when family members disagree about faith.
2. Inevitable Division: The gospel message can be divisive, especially in families where some members accept Christ while others reject Him.
3. Cost of Discipleship: Jesus wanted His followers to understand that choosing to follow Him might come at a personal cost, including strained family relationships.
4. Spiritual Family: While acknowledging potential conflicts in biological families, Jesus also emphasized the importance of the spiritual family of believers (Mk 3:31-35).
5. Peace Through Conflict: Paradoxically, the ultimate goal of Jesus’ message is peace, but achieving it may require going through periods of conflict and division.
6. Preparation for Persecution: These teachings also prepared early Christians for the possibility of family members betraying them during times of persecution. In Matthew 10:21-22, Jesus warns, “Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.”
REFLECTION
Christians are called to love and respect their family members. However, they must also be prepared for the possibility that their faith might lead to conflict within their families. In such cases, they are encouraged to remain firm in their commitment to Christ, trusting in His promise of eternal life for those who persevere.