Christ the Cause of Division

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John 7:37-52

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come to me, and drink.…

Even when Jesus preached so sweetly His meek and loving doctrine there was a division among the people (ver. 43). Even about Himself there was a schism. We may not, therefore, hope to please everybody, however true our teaching or peaceful our spirit.

I. THERE WAS A DIVISION AMONG THE NEW DISCIPLES. We may view the parties formed in His day as symbolical of those in our own.

1. Some admitted none of His claims.

2. Others admitted a portion, but denied the rest.

3. Certain admitted His claims, but neglected to follow out the legitimate consequences of them.

4. A few became sincere hearers, going as far with Him as they had yet learned of Him. Let us view persons who have thoughts about Jesus with considerable hope. Though they blunder now, they may yet come right. Let us not frighten away the birds with imprudent haste. Let us pray for those who deny His claims, and resist His kingdom. Let us aid those who come a little way towards the truth, and are willing to go all the way if they can but find it. Let us arouse those who neglect holy subjects altogether,

II. THERE WAS A DIVISION OF BELIEVERS FROM NON-BELIEVERS. This is a great and wide difference, and the more clearly the division is seen the better; for God views it as very deep and all-im- portant. There is a great division at this present hour —

1. In opinion; especially as to the Lord Jesus.

2. In trust; many rely on self; only the godly on Jesus.

3. In love. Differing pleasures and aims prove that hearts go after different objects.

4. In obedience, character, and language.

5. In development, growth, tendency.

6. In destiny. The directions of the lines of life point at different places as the end of the journey. This cleavage divides the dearest friends and relatives. This is the most real and deep difference in the world.

III. YET WHEN FAITH COMES, UNITY IS PRODUCED. There is unity among the people because of Him.

1. Nationalities are blended. Calvary heals Babel.

(1)  Jews and Gentiles are one in Christ.

(2)  The near and the far-off as to spiritual things are brought nigh in Him, who is the one and only centre of grace and truth.

(3)  Believers of all nationalities become one Church.

2. Personal peculiarities cease to divide.

(1)  Workers for Christ are sure to be blended in one body by their common difficulties.

(2)  Position, rank, and wealth give way before the uniting influence of grace.

3. Mental specialities feel the touch of unity. Saints —

(1)  of varying creeds have an essential union in Christ;

(2)  of all the changing ages are alike in Him;

(3)  of all styles of education are one in Him;

(4)  in heaven will be many as the waves, but one as the sea.Ambitions, which else would disintegrate, are overcome, and laid at Jesus' feet. Let us divide, if there be a division. Let us closely unite, if there be real union in Christ.

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