The rule used to be there were two things you never talked about among strangers, neighbors, or those you do not know that well – religion and politics. Well, with the invention of social media, the politics thing is certainly off the table. Many people seemingly love to talk about politics. Sickening so. Not as many talk about religion. In fact, many choose not to talk about religion because often it divides people. Those who are committed to living lives full of sin certainly do not want any Christians telling them that what they are doing is sin. In fact, in West Lafayette, the city council desires to make it illegal to tell a minor that homosexuality is a sin. They do not want anyone to hear the truth – even though the US was built upon religious freedom. Who wants someone to tell him or her that he or she is wrong? Evidently fewer and fewer people. Here’s the simple truth though – Jesus divides humanity.
When Did Jesus Ultimately Divide Humanity?
Jesus began dividing humanity at His birth. Herod immediately wanted to kill Him for fear of losing His power. As time went along and Jesus ultimately grew into a man, He began teaching and living a kingdom message. In it, He healed, helped, served, and taught His disciples from town to town in Galilee. As He did, many accepted Him and followed Him. Others rejected, especially the Pharisees, Sadducees, and later the Herodians.
Ultimately though, we see how Jesus divides humanity at the end of His life on the cross. Notice how Dr. Luke describes it in his Gospel:
32 There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. 33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left.
…
39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”
40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:32-43)
Two criminals hung on crosses with Jesus in the middle. One criminal blasphemed Jesus, mocked Him, and rejected His claim to be the Messiah. The first criminal chose not to believe, have faith, or follow after Jesus. However, the second criminal rebuked the first and repented of his sin. He recognized Jesus as the Messiah. Instead of mockery, he chose repentance. Jesus forgave Him and reassured him that today he would be with Him in Paradise.
The three of them on the crosses that day at Golgotha represent all of humanity.
Jesus divides all humanity. Most, like the first criminal, will reject. Some, like the second criminal, will repent and follow after Jesus.
Jesus Dividing Society Should Not Surprise You
Jesus dividing society should not surprise you. Ever since this moment on the cross where one thief/sinner chose to reject and the other thief/sinner chose to follow, people have chosen for and against Jesus Christ. He ultimately divides all of humanity.
Either you are like thief one and reject.
Or
You are like thief two and accept by faith for the forgiveness of sin.
Every person in the world either associates with one of the two thieves. You get to decide. What determines your choice is your heart. You are either repentant or non-repentant. Only two options are on the shelf. All of humanity is divided here at this intersection. If you follow it back 2,000 years plus ago, the dividing line began with the cross. Either you believe or you do not.
This week as you go about your days, understand that the world continues to choose between which cross they will carry. Either they will carry one full of pride and blasphemy or will humbly follow Jesus, like the second thief.
Which will it be for you? Formally, have you chosen to repent and follow Jesus? Functionally, do you follow Jesus well as a disciple?
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together