Topic: Cost of Following Jesus
Matthew 10:24-39 is a challenging passage that addresses the cost of being a disciple of Jesus. These verses are a powerful reminder of the sacrifice and commitment that come with being a true disciple of Jesus. In order to make sense of what Jesus is saying, it is good to pull out the thoughts and reflect on their meaning.
A Sword, Not Peace: Jesus begins by saying, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth." This may seem paradoxical, for we often think of Jesus as the Prince of Peace. However, Jesus is not speaking of worldly peace but of the division that can arise when we choose to follow Him. The message of the gospel can be divisive, as it challenges the status quo and calls us to a higher standard of living.
The Priority of Christ: Jesus reminds us of the priority we must place on Him above all else, even our closest relationships. He says, "Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." Our love for Jesus should be so profound that it reorders our priorities. While we are called to love our family, our love for Christ should be the highest and central love in our lives.
Taking Up the Cross: Jesus emphasizes the importance of taking up our cross and following Him. The cross was an instrument of suffering and death, and when Jesus speaks of it, He calls us to embrace the difficulties and trials that may come as we follow Him. Discipleship is not always easy. It requires sacrifice, self-denial and a willingness to endure hardships for the sake of the gospel.
Losing to Find: Jesus offers a profound paradox when He says, "Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." In other words, when we are willing to surrender our own desires and ambitions to follow Jesus, we discover a deeper, more meaningful and eternal life. It is in losing ourselves in Christ that we truly find ourselves and the purpose for which we were created.
As we reflect on these verses, let us remember that being a disciple of Christ is not always a comfortable journey. It may lead to conflict, sacrifice and even persecution. However, it is a journey that offers the greatest reward: eternal life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
May we be encouraged to embrace the cost of discipleship. Let us prioritize our love for Christ above all else, take up our cross and be willing to lose our lives for His sake. By doing so, we will not only find true life in Christ but also become instruments of His peace, love and grace in a world that desperately needs it.
See you Sunday!
Dr. Scott Kallem