Matthew 10:34-42
Every so often we hear a friend or family member say something that totally surprises us, something that is completely different from things they’ve said before. I’m not talking about cursing or any bad language, but something that seems different from what we’re used to them saying. In today’s Scripture selection from the Gospel of Matthew, we read some words of Jesus that might seem a bit different from what most people expect Him to say. Let’s take a look at these words, and see what He is saying here.
As we open our Scripture passage, verse 34 seems to contradict a lot of what we believe about Jesus and peace. We often picture Jesus as One who brings peace between people. Yet that isn’t always the case, as we will read in this passage. Having the peace of God doesn’t mean living any way we choose. The peace of God comes from living a godly lifestyle and being obedient to God. Jesus brings a sword to the hearts and minds of those living in sin and rebellion.
We also see where Jesus says that He will cause conflict in families (vs. 35-36). Conflict and disagreement will arise between those who choose to follow Christ and those who do not. Jesus wants us to take a stand for Him, and not just pursue superficial peace and harmony. Because some people follow Jesus and some don’t, conflicts will inevitably arise, particularly in families. Different values, morals, goals, and purposes will set us apart from others.
Our commitment to God should always be our first priority. That may end up separating friends and loved ones. We cannot become Jesus’ disciples unless we place Him as our top priority (vs. 37). That could cause unbelieving family members to reject us. In many cases, conversion to Jesus Christ can result in strained family relationships, sometimes persecution, and even martyrdom.
Jesus continues on in our Scripture passage to talk about our commitment to Him and the cross. The cross was not a nice or pleasant image. It was not a piece of jewelry. It pictured a violent, degrading death by execution. Jesus knew the way He would die. Condemned men had to carry their crosses to their execution place. In talking about the cross here, Jesus is saying He demands total commitment (vs. 38-39). This is a call to full surrender. Those who come to Christ with self-renouncing faith will find true and eternal life. The best way to enjoy life is to loosen our grasp on earthly rewards, so that we are free to follow Jesus. We must be willing to publicly identify with Jesus, be willing to experience opposition, and be committed to face even suffering or death for His sake. To pursue our natural well-being at the expense of our spiritual and eternal well-being will end up with eternal loss.
Our passage continues on with Jesus’ words about how believers, going out to spread the message of the Gospel, might be received (vs. 40-42). We know, and Jesus has warned us, that quite often His messengers would be harshly and cruelly treated. We are to come as Jesus’ ambassadors, and we will be treated as he was treated (vs. 40). Those who are not prophets themselves, or today a pastor, missionary, or other Christian worker, may share in the labor and rewards of those ministers by willingly supporting their work (vs. 41). God rewards obedience and kindness, no matter how small or insignificant (vs. 42). Even the smallest service done to the most insignificant of Christ’s servants shall be rewarded by the Lord.
In closing, are we willing to take a stand for Jesus Christ, even at the cost of our family relationships? Are we willing to take up the cross and follow Him, no matter what the cost? The person who chooses to be a friend to this world will be an enemy to God (I John 2:15). The same is true the other way around, if we are a friend to God, the world will hate us. Let us stand for Jesus, no matter what the cost.
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