The Difficult Reality of Choosing Jesus Over Family
“Don’t think that I came to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. I have come so that: ‘a son will be against his father, a daughter will be against her mother, a daughter-in-law will be against her mother-in-law. A person’s enemies will be members of his own family.’” – Matthew 10:34-36
Jesus quoted Micah 7:6 as a warning that He did not come to always bring peace but, in some families, He will cause division among them. It will not be peaceful since a person’s enemy may be a member of their own household. Jesus is saying that a converted father would be opposed by his unbelieving son, a Christian mother by her unsaved daughter or a born-again mother-in-law would be hated by her unregenerate daughter-in-law when they become His followers.
Jesus did come to bring peace, but in this passage, He is warning His people that would not always be the case. As Christians, we have to choose Jesus over our family – especially if they are not believers or if they are not following what the gospel says to do. Christians are commanded to try to live in peace with everyone (Romans 12:18). However, if a converted father is opposed by his unbelieving son based on what Jesus teaches, Jesus' words must take precedence over the son.
The cost of discipleship is to experience tension, strife, and alienation which can come from one's own family. This is what Jesus meant by a “sword”. The sword Jesus is referring to is a metaphorical sword which is not an actual weapon, but a metaphor for the division and discord that can result from embracing Jesus' teachings (Matthew 10:34). We can see this in the world today. Christians will face tension, strife, and alienation for embracing Jesus' teachings, but when we do, we are blessed since we share in our Savior’s suffering and will be greatly rewarded in heaven (John 15:18-21).
Prayer for the day:
Dear heavenly Father,
It will be costly to follow You. It is worth it if we experience tension, strife, and alienation for embracing Jesus' teachings. He is the way, the truth and the light and we cannot go to heaven without Him. Please help us to pick You if our family wants us to choose them over You. You are better than anything else. We need You and Jesus so we can be in heaven forever with You! In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen!
