The Commands of Christ - Matthew 10:34-39

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to 'SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW'; and 'A MAN'S ENEMIES WILL BE THOSE OF HIS OWN HOUSEHOLD.' He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it." -Matthew 10:34-39

Who is the command to?

Jesus is training the 12 disciples to be sent out for ministry.

What does the command require?

Do not think that Jesus came to bring peace on earth.

What truths do we learn through this command?

We learn that Jesus didn't come to bring peace. This is completely opposite of what the religious leaders of the day taught about the Messiah. They taught that the Messiah would be a King that would free them from Roman rule. Jesus takes some time to explain what He meant. The fact is, the gospel is a divider of homes. When one member of a family believes the gospel, it sets them at odds with their unbelieving family. The gospel introduces a change in worldview that is contrary to a secular worldview. Enemies will come from your own household when you believe the gospel. Indeed, after Christ's ascension, the first persecution recorded in Acts 4 came from the house of Israel.

Jesus teaches that following Him is more important than keeping peace with your family. "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me." A disciple of Christ must follow Him at all costs. Often, the cost is high. Often we must give up family relationships for the sake of Christ. It is the Christian's cross to bear to give up family for the sake of Christ. 

Now if you are completely discouraged at this point, take heart! Jesus ends this section with a promise: "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it." There is not a disciple of Christ that has not gained from following Jesus. You may be losing in the world's eyes by following Christ, but by following Christ you are investing your life in eternity. Living your life for Christ now guarantees reward in the life to come. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

What are the consequences for disobedience?

Delusions about the Messiah, loss in eternity,