Devotional: Christ Divides Us: Matthew 10:16-39

“Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth” I tell you, no, rather division” (Luke 12:51, NASB).

It is a very good thing when a person is raised in a close knit family. I believe that at the root many of our problems in our country stems from less than desirable family relationships. It has been said that “a family that prays together, stays together” (author unknown to me). This statement says that the family that is united under the Lordship of Jesus Christ stays together because through prayer each member submits to the will of God. Each member imitates Jesus by putting the interest of others above their own interest. Each member is willing to make sacrifices for the benefit of the others (See Philippines 2:1-11).

Jesus said that it is a hard road to follow Him. People will hate the ones that speak up and take a stand for Jesus. Although Christians are able to stand against other people in the world, it is difficult for us to believe and accept that standing for Jesus may cause divisions within our families. This is especially true for those of us that have family members that were raised in the church like us and with us. We expect them to believe like we believe. We think that their lifestyles would be based on the same or at least similar principles like our own. Jesus said that this is not necessarily true.

In our scripture passage Jesus sends His disciples out to prepare people for His appearance. He warned them that they would travel a hard road. “Behold I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matt. 10:16, NASB). Jesus warned them of the dangers that they would encounter, and He assured them of His protection and provision. He did not come so that people would get along together. He came to cause divisions. Some people will accept Him and some will reject Him. Their message would cause divisions among the people; including members of the same family.

The test of our discipleship is determined by whether or not we make Jesus first in our lives. “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” (v. 37, NASB). Those that would be a disciple of Jesus must be willing to take up their cross and follow Him. If we find life in this world we will lose it. We cannot enter into eternal life in God’s kingdom with Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, we deny ourselves; take up our cross to follow you, to gain life with you. Amen.