Matt. 10: 37 – 39 - 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. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.
These words about family are hard to hear. And it was even more difficult for Jesus' original audience to accept. In his day economic survival depended upon the extended family and their support.
In Jesus' eyes, however important family is, it never comes before knowing and serving God and his Son Jesus Christ.
Jesus is telling us that none of us are truly free to be Christ's disciples until we break with everything that hinders our commitment to the Lord. Whether they be family or things, if they come before Jesus they must be abandoned. Christ taught that we as his followers must break all ties that weaken our commitment to him. Jesus didn’t say we should not love our families or neglect taking responsibility for them. But he was making it clear that no person or thing should be considered worthy competition for the Son of God in our lives and our priorities!
Jesus forces us to ask ourselves if he comes first in our lives. Do we love him more than anything else?
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