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Matthew 10:34-39
34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Watch the Sermon
Summary: This week's passage offers us a particularly hard saying of our Savior, but one that is full of promise. In Matthew 10:34-39, we will see Jesus correcting expectations about his reign as the Messiah and what it means to follow Jesus. Regarding his reign, He shows his disciples that the gospel of peace will bring about division between those who follow Jesus and those who reject Him, even in the midst of families. Regarding discipleship, Jesus shows us our love for Him must be so supreme, that there is no "close second" in regards to the throne of our hearts. Jesus is revealing that following Him is not a supplement to our already good lives, but an all-encompassing denying of our desires for the sake of the Kingdom. With this call, Jesus promises us that embracing this life of self-denial for His sake will end with a reward that makes the suffering of this life appear light and momentary.
Review & Apply
When Jesus says he did not come to "bring peace", what is he referring to?
How can we see the deity of Christ implied in this passage?
What does it mean for you to take up your cross for Jesus?
What are some good things that we may love inordinately? How does Jesus speak to our disordered hearts in this passage?
Are there times when you lay down your desires for the demands of Christ's Kingdom?
How does this passage help us address our fear of men?
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