Scripture: Matthew
10:34–42
Over the last three weeks we have read through Matthew 10 in
which Jesus spoke of the division and hostility between the world and God’s
people. This reading follows in the same theme reminding the reader that Jesus
brings division and this division is centered in his importance in the
believer’s life, for he requires that he be central and over all aspects of
life. This reading challenges modern readers to consider the consequences of
following Jesus as faith in him often brings conflict and division with
unbelievers, yet for those who follow Jesus the conflict is worth it knowing
the heavenly reward of eternal life.
Teaching
This is an uncomfortable reading to modern ears. The modern
church often emphasizes an image of Jesus as a peacemaker; which he is! He is
the Prince of Peace and makes peace between God and the believer. But in regard
to the world Jesus is not a peacemaker, because the world is in bondage and he
fights against the devil and all that serves that master of sin and lies who
would lead us into damnation. From the moment of his birth Jesus was in
conflict with the powers of this world until he defeated them by his death and
resurrection. And even now, those who follow Jesus find themselves in conflict
with the world.
Sometimes people have used this passage to manipulate God’s
people with guilt as they remind their hearers that, “whoever does not take his
cross and follow,” Jesus is not worthy of him. But who is worthy of Jesus? No
one. This is the very reason that he came: we were unworthy to come into God’s
presence and to be his people because of our sin. Nevertheless, Jesus took up
his cross for our sins and his sacrifice makes us worthy to come before God and
even receive rewards for the smallest of good deeds that flow from faith.
Life
The question of worthiness is one that often haunts people. Am I good enough? Did I do it right? Is my
performance better than theirs? We want to be worthy of God’s blessings, to
think that there is something inside of us that would cause God to say, “Yes,
this one fits the bill.” However, our relationship with God is not rooted in
worthiness. It is rooted in grace; God’s undeserved love, mercy, and
forgiveness. Don’t worry about being worthy. Jesus’ blood shed for you makes
you worthy.
There is also a warning here for us to consider where we
focus our hopes and dreams. Are our hopes and dreams for this world? Are we
fixated on a better car, a new house, a vacation home, a perfect body, a perfect
body next to our perfect body, wealth, and good food? It’s not that there is
anything intrinsically wrong with having these things, but these things can be
idols – false gods – to us. When we live for these things we are not living for
the one who died and rose for us, and we risk the everlasting life he has so
graciously given us.
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