HOW TO VIEW FAMILY OPPOSITION

3, 4. (a) What effect do Jesus’ teachings have? (b) When would it be especially challenging to follow Jesus?

3 Jesus knew that his teachings would divide people and that those who follow him would need courage to do so in the face of opposition. This opposition could affect peaceful relations among family members. Jesus said: “Do not think I came to bring peace to the earth; I came to bring, not peace, but a sword. For I came to cause division, with a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Indeed, a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.”—Matt. 10:34-36.