Today Jesus says something surprising: “I have come to set the earth on fire.”
Then He says that He has come not to bring peace, but division.
How can Jesus, the Prince of Peace, speak about division?
Jesus does not want us to fight. Rather, He is telling us that the Gospel demands a decision. And sometimes choosing Christ will put us in conflict—not only with others, but even with ourselves.
Part of me wants to forgive; another part wants to hold on to resentment.
Part of me wants to be honest; another part says, “Just this once, compromise.”
Part of me wants to follow God; another part wants what is comfortable.
This is the division Jesus speaks about. Before the Gospel divides people, it often confronts the divided heart within us.
And this helps us understand the fire Jesus speaks about.
Fire gives light and warmth, but fire also purifies. Jesus wants His fire to burn away whatever prevents us from loving God completely—our pride, selfishness, dishonesty, resentment, and fear.
And purification can be painful. That is why discipleship has a cost.
IF FOLLOWING JESUS NEVER COSTS US ANYTHING, PERHAPS WE NEED TO ASK HOW CLOSELY WE ARE REALLY FOLLOWING HIM.
It is easy to follow Jesus when following Him is convenient.
But what happens when telling the truth may cost us a friendship? When refusing corruption may cost us an opportunity? When forgiveness requires us to swallow our pride? When standing for what is right means standing alone?
That is when faith becomes real.
And Jesus does not ask us to pay a price that He Himself refused to pay. In today’s Gospel, He speaks about the “baptism” He must undergo. He is already looking toward His Passion and Cross.
Jesus went first. He chose the Father’s will even when it led Him to Calvary.
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There is a story about a blacksmith who was asked, “How do you know when the iron is ready?”
He answered, “When it has stayed in the fire long enough, it becomes ready to be shaped.”
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Perhaps we often pray, “Lord, take away the fire.” But sometimes God may be saying, “Allow Me to use the fire to shape you.”
So perhaps the question today is not simply, “Do I believe in Jesus?”
The deeper question is: “Am I allowing Jesus to change me?”
Because following Jesus is not always easy—but He is always worth choosing.