These words of Jesus seem very strong and almost offensive. But Jesus was affirming the prophecy of Micah 700 years previously: "Do not trust a neighbour; put no confidence in a friend. Even with the woman who lies in your embrace guard the words of your lips. For a son dishonours 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." (Micah 7:5-6).
 
In Micah's day, the divisions within Israel were tearing the nation apart as the Assyrians threatened to invade. Micah knew the reason for the fear and instability: the people had turned away from the Lord and were each doing what they thought best. Those divisions were present even within families and close relationships. So the true God-fearing people did not know who to trust except the Lord. Micah 7:7 continued, "But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Saviour; my God will hear me."
 
Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) who had told his men to proclaim peace, and find lodgings with people who were peace-seekers (Matthew 10:11-13). So, saying that He had not 'come to bring peace but a sword' seems rather odd. What He meant was that He could never satisfy Israel's desire to be free from Roman occupation; that was not His job. He had come to identify the division between those who resisted God's rule in their lives, and those who wanted God to be their Lord. In proclaiming the gospel, those two groups are dissected apart. Jesus intended His words and works to polarise people so that those who longed to be saved might find the truth and be set free from Satan's hold.
 
We want to trust family and close friends. They are part of our human identity and security. But when we believe the gospel, the people who we love and confide in most may feel threatened by Jesus. After all, He is ultimate 'boss' and has the right to say how we should live. The Word of God (both Jesus and the Bible) always acts like a sword (Hebrews 4:12), separating truth from falsehood so that people can see what is true; and how they measure up to the truth. People who do not want God and His truth will not welcome His people either - even if they are in the same family. When that happens, it is emotionally hard; but God will use our constant and joyful witness to enable some family members to want to welcome Jesus.