Christ Causes Division
Matthew 10:34–39

Christ Causes Division
Matthew 10:34–39

Introduction
Our text comes from Matthew 10:34–39, where Jesus declares that His coming brings division. While many seek only peace and harmony, Christ taught that His gospel separates even families and divides all humanity into two groups: the saved and the lost.

The Gospel Brings Division
When Jesus sent His apostles out on the limited commission (Matthew 10:5–6), He warned them of rejection and persecution. Even family members would betray one another (Matthew 10:21–22). Yet He reminded them to fear God, not men (Matthew 10:28). Christ prepared His disciples to understand that His message would never be received by all without opposition.

Peace with God, Not the World
At Christ’s birth the angels declared, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2:14, ESV). This peace was never promised universally, but only to those who obey. Paul explained in Romans 5:1 that believers justified by faith have peace with God. Peace is found only in reconciliation with Him, not in worldly harmony.

The Gospel Divides All Humanity
The gospel divides every person into one of two categories: saved or lost. Hebrews 5:9 affirms Christ is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. At His return, Christ will separate sheep from goats (Matthew 25:31–33). All humanity will stand in only one of two groups, determined by how they respond to the gospel.

The Gospel Divides Families
Jesus said His message would pit family members against one another (Matthew 10:35–36). Even His own brothers once refused to believe in Him (John 7:5). Yet He promised that those who forsake family for the gospel gain a new spiritual family in the church (Mark 10:28–30).

The Gospel Divides the Worthy from the Unworthy
Christ declared that anyone unwilling to take up the cross and follow Him is unworthy of Him (Matthew 10:38). This means daily self-denial (Luke 9:23). Paul described this life as crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). Only those willing to sacrifice their desires and follow Him walk the narrow path that leads to life (Matthew 7:13–14).

The Final Division
On judgment day, there will be no middle ground. Christ will divide the sheep from the goats. The gospel calls each soul to choose. Some will obey and be saved. Others will reject and be lost. The gospel always divides.

Christ Causes Division Sermon Outline:

• Introduction (Matthew 10:34–39)

  • Christ’s gospel does not bring universal peace.

  • It divides humanity.

• The Gospel Brings Division

  • Apostles warned of persecution (Matthew 10:21–22).

  • Fear God, not men (Matthew 10:28).

• Peace with God, Not the World

  • Angels proclaimed peace for the obedient (Luke 2:14).

  • Romans 5:1—peace with God through Christ.

• The Gospel Divides All Humanity

  • Two groups: saved or lost.

  • Hebrews 5:9; Matthew 25:31–33.

• The Gospel Divides Families

  • Matthew 10:35–36—households divided.

  • John 7:5—Jesus’ brothers once disbelieved.

  • Mark 10:28–30—gain a spiritual family.

• The Gospel Divides the Worthy from the Unworthy

  • Must take up the cross (Matthew 10:38; Luke 9:23).

  • Crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20).

  • Two paths (Matthew 7:13–14).

• The Final Division

  • Sheep and goats separated (Matthew 25:31–33).

  • No middle ground.

Call to Action
Jesus said His gospel would divide. It separates families, nations, and all humanity into only two groups. The decision rests on each of us. Will we deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him? Or will we choose the broad path that ends in destruction? Christ calls us today—our eternity depends on our response.

Key Takeaways

• The gospel divides, not unites, all people (Matthew 10:34–39).

• True peace is only with God, not the world (Romans 5:1).

• All humanity falls into two groups: saved or lost (Hebrews 5:9; Matthew 25:31–33).

• Even families are divided by the gospel (Matthew 10:35–36).

• Only those who deny self and follow Christ daily are worthy (Luke 9:23).

Scripture Reference List

• Matthew 10:34–39 — Christ came with a message that divides.

• Matthew 10:21–22 — Apostles warned of family betrayal.

• Matthew 10:28 — Fear God, not men.

• Luke 2:14 — Peace among those pleasing to God.

• Romans 5:1 — Peace with God through Christ.

• Hebrews 5:9 — Salvation for the obedient.

• Matthew 25:31–33 — Sheep and goats separated.

• John 7:5 — Jesus’ brothers once disbelieved.

• Mark 10:28–30 — New spiritual family in Christ.

• Luke 9:23 — Daily cross-bearing.

• Galatians 2:20 — Crucified with Christ.

• Matthew 7:13–14 — Two paths: life or destruction.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO