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The dissension caused by the Gospel:
v. 49. I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
v. 50. But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
v. 51. Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division;
v. 52. for from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two and two against three.
v. 53. The father shall be divided against the son and the son against the father, the mother against the daughter and the daughter against the mother, the mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
See Mat_10:34-36. The Gospel is to some people, whose minds the god of this world has blinded, a savor of death unto death, 2Co_2:16. It brings a fire of controversy which results in fierce trials and conflicts for the believers. The sooner this fire therefore is kindled, the better it will be for the faithful. And it is not as if Jesus would go out unscathed while His followers must bear the many crosses that are laid upon them because of their discipleship. The baptism of His last great Passion looms up before Him with such a threatening aspect that He is pressed on every side, both with fervent desire and with fear on account of the last ordeal. And so the disciples must not live in the foolish hope and idea that they will escape the same or a similar ordeal. Contention, dissension, strife, enmity will follow the preaching of the cross at all times, causing divisions even in the midst of the most closely knit households. Friendships of long years' standing, the most intimate ties of blood-relationship have been disrupted because of opposition to the Gospel. This the believers of all times should know, lest. , they be offended. They dare not expect their lot to be more pleasant than that of their Lord.