Verse: Matthew 10:34-37
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.
Devotion
Wow – what a way to start off the morning. These verses can be a bit shocking at first glance. I believe the disciples may have backed up a couple of steps and thought to themselves “What did I get into?”.
But Jesus is not advocating to live in strife and violence in these verses. He is highlighting the cost of discipleship. Following Christ means that our ultimate allegiance belongs to Him. In the context of first-century Jewish families, accepting Jesus as the Messiah often meant social rejection, even from close family members. Today, following Jesus can still create tension as we prioritize His values above the world’s.
Jesus is not trying to leave us hopeless and in isolation from others. There are real blessings when you choose to have faith in God above all else. This includes a peace inside of ourselves that surpasses all understanding. A peace that runs deep within your soul. So, when the outside world is in turmoil and confliction, you are rooted to what is true and good.
Today, we see a lot of conflict and disagreement in the world – in our own families, communities and even within ourselves. It’s easy to get weighed down by all the noise and division. But Jesus’ words remind us that real peace isn’t just the absence of conflict; it’s being right with God. When we choose Him, we’re promised a peace that’s unshakable, even when things around us aren’t.
Lean into God this morning. Focus on His values and your relationship with Him.
Author: Joanna Martin
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