It is indeed astonishing to hear Jesus say that he has not come to bring peace but a sword! Jesus, "the prince of Peace" foretold by the prophet Isaiah (9:6); proclaimed by the angels bringing peace on earth at his birth (Lk. 2:14). Jesus declares peacemakers blessed (Mt.5:9) and after his Resurrection, greets his disciples with the gift of peace (Jn. 20:19).

Jesus corrects a misunderstanding that his followers should experience only peace but not conflict and hostility! He is just warning his disciples that his message will not be welcomed by all and the acceptance of the "good news" by some will bring about conflict and division within families.(Micah 7:6) The rupture of family ties is not intended by Jesus but it results from the rejection of his message by some members of the family while others accept it! The followers of Jesus will know the cost of discipleship when they are rejected by their own families.

Jesus demands absolute and unconditional loyalty to himself. Loyalty to him is more binding than the most intimate ties of flesh and blood. The Cross foreshadows Jesus' fate; the true disciple must be ready for a similar fate i.e martyrdom itself.