Jesus Caused Division

What Did Jesus Do?

While some said, “He is a good man,” others said,
“No, he is leading the people astray.”
John 7.12


From the perspective of such social science disciplines as anthropology and sociology, there are all different kinds of people in the world. From the Father's perspective there are only two. All of humanity may be divided into two separate and distinct groups: those who believe in Jesus, and those who do not. Every other method of sifting and sorting out one person from another is of absolutely no lasting consequence or significance whatsoever. You see, from the beginning, Jesus caused division.

Of course, the people in Jerusalem who believed Jesus to be a “good” man weren't quite on the mark. Until someone is led by the Holy Spirit to know Jesus as “the Holy One of God,” (John 6.69), he or she is still numbered among the unbelieving camp. It is also true that some of those who considered Jesus nothing but a troublemaker may well have come to be believers. Even today, many who believe were at one time solidly among those who not only didn't believe in Jesus, but held very negative opinions about him. The true “Great Divide” has nothing to do with the separation of the continental watersheds, but rather those who are saved and those who are lost, and the one dividing factor is Jesus.

Back at the time of the Feast of Booths, when Jesus went up to Jerusalem, he did so quietly, in private (John 7.10). And simmering just below the surface, because many were afraid to speak out openly on the subject of Jesus, there was much debate about him (John 7.12-13). Even when he avoided the spotlight, Jesus caused division.

In fact, the Lord admitted that he came into the world to cause division (Luke 12.51). And the division was intense, even to the point of separating members of a family (see Luke 12.53). Maybe those who labeled him a troublemaker were right? Jesus himself confessed to even being something of an arsonist, intent on igniting a holy fire on the earth (Luke 12.49). No doubt about it, Jesus caused, and still causes, division.

But the ultimate goal of this truly Great Divide is not separation, but in fact to repair the tragic breach between humanity and its Creator. The Son came to make a way, for those who would go through him, to return to the Father (see John 14.6). Yes, Jesus caused division, but he also accomplished the restoration of the relationship with the Father and his children. And among the children of God, the saved, the Church, there is no division, for in Christ all are one.

The mission of the Church is to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, so that, among the lost, those whom the Spirit gives ears to hear and eyes to see the Truth, may cross over the divide and be numbered among the saved. This, the preaching of the Gospel to the world, will continue to divide all people into one of two groups until the day when the Lord himself returns. Unlike the murmuring people in ancient Jerusalem, the Church must speak boldly, openly for all the world to hear and know that Jesus, and Jesus alone divides, and brings together.

S.D.G.

Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4