Yeah, well that whole section makes no sense. Why would Christ come to divide a son from his father?
Apparently, Matthew is using this rather strange approach to tell us in verse 38 that "whoever doesn't pick up the cross and follow" Christ "is not worthy of" Christ, suggesting we walk the way Chriust walked and do what He did.
The only problem with this supposed Jesus quote is that Christ would not have been crucified yet!, so what cross is He talking about?!?
Obviosuly, Matthew is writing after the fact and is making up a quote which Jesus would not have said (because it would have been before crucifixion) to make a point on something that doesn't make much sense (i.e. Christ did not come to bring peace!?!).
There is something seriously out of touch with the rest of the Gospel in this particular one.
But one thing is clear: the rest of that section (verses 40 onward) is all about the rewards being works-based.
I think it means that Christ came to set His people apart from the wickedness of the world. A true believer will be despised by the world. And even those in his own family who are of the world will hate him. Another thing I think He is saying is that He doesn't want watered down Christianity. It is better to be hated than concede the true faith to make peace. There are plenty of people from all sides who have made concessions in this light.
Apparently, Matthew is using this rather strange approach to tell us in verse 38 that "whoever doesn't pick up the cross and follow" Christ "is not worthy of" Christ, suggesting we walk the way Christ walked and do what He did. The only problem with this supposed Jesus quote is that Christ would not have been crucified yet!, so what cross is He talking about?!?
Obviously, Matthew is writing after the fact and is making up a quote which Jesus would not have said (because it would have been before crucifixion) to make a point on something that doesn't make much sense (i.e. Christ did not come to bring peace!?!).
No, Matthew did not lie by making up a quote from Jesus. Jesus DID say it because He knew His listeners understood the principles of how a crucifixion worked. To carry one's own cross to his death was burdensome, and so the teaching was that we all must bear our own burdens in faith. Isn't that easier to believe than "Matthew lied"? :)
But one thing is clear: the rest of that section (verses 40 onward) is all about the rewards being works-based.
Heavenly rewards, yes. Salvation, no.