“I have come to bring not peace but the sword.” (Matthew 10:34)

In the Old Testament, Ezekiel the prophet made the prediction of the Messiah:

“I will make a covenant of peace with them, and rid the country of ravenous beasts, that they may dwell securely in the desert and sleep in the forests.

I will place them about my hill, sending rain in due season, rains that shall be a blessing to them.

The trees of the field shall bear their fruits, and the land its crops, and they shall dwell securely on their own soil. Thus they shall know that I am the LORD when I break the bonds of their yoke and free them from the power of those who enslaved them.

They shall no longer be despoiled by the nations or devoured by beasts of the earth, but shall dwell secure, with no one to frighten them.

I will prepare for them peaceful fields for planting; they shall no longer be carried off by famine in the land, or bear the reproaches of the nations.” (Ezekiel 34:25-29)

The Messiah brought not only salvation to the Israelis but all of God’s creation could also share His grace.

Why did Jesus say, “I have come to bring not peace but the sword.”

Jesus also said that, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27)

However, this “peace” requires us to strive for it and seize it with the sword.

Man cannot serve two masters; it is either God or money (worldly materials).

Otherwise, conflict will be inevitable, “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 one's enemies will be those of his household.'

"Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:35-38)

For those who wish to follow a religious life, the first thing to overcome is pressure from the family. However, do not be afraid for they (the family) will eventually understand that the choice you made is correct.