How can we understand it when Jesus, the Prince of Peace, says, “Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!”? What do we make of Jesus proclaiming that households will be divided because of him; that parents and children will be at odds? While some of the wits around us have used the pun of Know Jesus — Know Peace; No Jesus — No Peace, it seems that Jesus would have said Know Jesus — No Peace.

Jesus was aware of those around him who resisted the Roman occupation with violence and murder. He would have also known people who were willing to do anything to get along with the Romans. And, I am sure, there must have been those who just tried their best to ignore all this political talk and maneuvering and wanted to just get on with their liv…