Many people in the Western world look at virtually everything from an "exoteric" perspective, meaning from a broad, surface level understanding. Much of Jesus teaching calls followers to have "ears to hear" - implying an esoteric meaning to his teaching; esoteric being under the surface, hidden, or with special knowledge. The controversial teaching in Matthew 10 of Jesus telling his followers that he did not come to bring peace but a sword is one of these kinds of passages. Sadly, it's also the passage the esotericists use to justify violence and war. It's a verse I continue to see Evangelicals use too flippantly in regard to Israel and Palestine. My intention today is to see that Jesus is inviting devotees to learn that the spiritual path will require the inner sword of discernment: one that often cuts us off from our familial and religious traditions and identities. Let me know your thoughts in the comments and what teaching of Jesus you'd like me to talk about next.   *************** Sign up to receive my weekly email: https://thisiscurrent.org   *** For 1:1 spiritual direction, email Luke@LukeBricker.com   *** Let's hang on social: https://instagram.com/the_spiritual_nomad   *** Luke Bricker is an ordained minister and Spiritual Director at Current Collective. Current is a non-dual spiritual community that holds space to experience the Divine through mystic & contemplative practices, teachings, and resources. Visit https://thisiscurrent.org for more info. Thank you for subscribing to the channel, contributing and partnering with us to help more people heal and become whole!