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[Jesus said] “From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

“Religion just causes division.” You’ve probably heard someone say that—maybe even experienced it for yourself. Faith in Christ is supposed to bring peace, isn’t it? So why does it sometimes divide families, sever friendships, and stir up such intense resistance?

Jesus doesn’t avoid that tension; he embraces it. He says plainly: “From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other.” This is not just any division—the kind that cuts straight through families: father against son, mother against daughter. The gospel can bring peace, but it can also tear people apart.

This is painful to hear and even more painful to experience. Jesus is telling you that following him will sometimes cost you the relationships that are closest to your heart. Not because you want division but because the gospel demands a response. Some will cling to Christ in faith. Others will reject him. And the closer they are to you, the more deeply it hurts.

But Jesus speaks these hard truths not to push you away—but to pull you closer. Because he knows something even deeper than your earthly bonds: his love for you is stronger than family ties. Strong enough to endure the agony of being forsaken by his own Father on the cross. Jesus allowed that perfect relationship to be broken so yours with God would be restored.

Yes, the gospel causes division. But it also gives you real peace with your Father in heaven. And if you must lose something to hold on to Jesus, even something as dear as a family relationship, know that what you gain in him is infinitely more: forgiveness, life, and a place in God’s family.

Son of God, give me faith that holds fast to you, no matter the loss. Amen.

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.