The Gospel of Matthew: Take Up One’s Cross.

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.” (Matthew 10:34–39 ESV)

As the examination of today’s text continues, Jesus explained to the Twelve Apostles the significance of conflict within human relationships due to a sinner’s conversion to Christ. Conflict with friends and family because of an individual’s faith in Christ is because of their overwhelming love for Christ. This not only changes their relationship with God the Father, but also with fellow human beings.

Jesus said, “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.” God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), is to be the primary love in our lives. All other relationships are secondary to the believer’s love for God. This should not alarm us for to love God preeminently results in believers in Christ loving others appropriately.

“Whoever loves family or personal peace and prosperity more than Jesus is not fit to be His disciple. When forced to choose between Jesus and any other joy or pleasure, a disciple at least intends to choose Jesus. We may falter and fail, but it is our heart’s desire to take up our cross and follow Jesus,” explains commentator Daniel M. Doriani.

Family discord because of the Gospel is particularly referred to in this context as taking up one’s cross and following Jesus. It is a task which disciples must accept afresh each day. It is undertaking the task of serving the Lord with an attitude of self-renunciation and God glorification.

“Here is Jesus’ first mention of the word “cross” to his disciples. To them it would have evoked a picture of a violent, degrading death. He was demanding total commitment from them—even unto physical death—and making this call to full surrender a part of the message they were to proclaim to others. This same call to life-or-death devotion to Christ is repeated in 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23; 14:27. For those who come to Christ with self-renouncing faith, there will be true and eternal life (Matt. 10:39),” explains Dr. John MacArthur.

What cross are you currently taking up as your follow and live for Christ? Have you been rejected by your unconverted friends? Are members of your family in conflict with you because of your faith in Christ? Have you encountered physical suffering and persecution due to your sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Soli deo Gloria!