The Cost Of Discipleship: A Sword, A Cross, And True Life

Today, we gather here to reflect on a passage from the Gospel of Matthew, specifically from chapter 10, verses 34 to 39. In these verses, Jesus speaks to us about the cost of discipleship, the profound and sometimes challenging journey of following Him. Let us turn our hearts and minds to these words of our Lord:

Matthew 10:34-39 (NIV)

34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn “‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— 36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ 37 “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. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

These verses are both comforting and challenging, and they serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifice and commitment that come with being a true disciple of Jesus.

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: Finally, 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 meditate 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.

Let us 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.

May the Holy Spirit empower us to live out these words of Jesus and may we find the strength to walk the path of discipleship with joy, courage, and unwavering faith. Amen.