Matthew 10:37

“He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”

This scripture is taken from the New Testament where Jesus is commanding and teaching his disciples about what it means to be a Christian and what things they will have to face. He tells them to preach the good news to the lost sheep of Israel, about persecution from the council, to not be fearful about what to say or do because they have the Holy Sprit and so much more. On first reading, these words of Jesus can make us feel taken aback especially because His teachings include loving your neighbours as yourself.

Jesus isn’t teaching us not to love our family and those around us but to love him the most. To put Him first. To be reliant on Him. People are fickle and limited but Christ is constant. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. The Word also says that even if we are forgotten by our mother and father, God will never forget us. (Psalm 27:10) This shows us that we can put our full trust in Him alone and not be ashamed; but also be aware of how much it will cost to follow Jesus.

In this passage, the words, ‘Is not worthy’ is repeated which shows the importance of loving Jesus more. To be worthy means to be deserving of effort, attention or respect and suitable. As Christians we are set apart and made to be holy as God is holy. We can’t earn our way to God but at the same time, we should put Christ first in our lives so that we can experience fully the blessings and the love that He wants to lavish upon us. Colossians 3:3 says that our lives are hidden in Christ. This means our identities and our purpose and the new life we will receive are in Heaven not in people.

What does it look like to love Jesus more than our father, mother, son or daughter? Maybe asking the Holy Spirit for wisdom in a situation instead of running to your parent first? Learning how to set boundaries with your children by saying “no” instead of finding excuses for their behaviour. Maybe avoiding sacrificing everything (even your time with the Lord) to provide for your child materialistically. What about, working on not idolising your parents by trying not to think that they have all the answers or that they can never let you down in some way or other.

This scripture reminds me of when Jesus said,” Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:48) We should aim to please and love Jesus over anybody else and avoid idolising our relatives.

Prayer:

Father, You are Mighty, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. My life is hidden in You and there is nothing that can take me away from Your love. You knew me and loved me from when I was being knit together in my mother’s womb and You knew everything about me and who I would become. Nobody knows me or my thoughts the way that You do Lord. You even know the numbers of hairs on my head. Father, I ask that You help me to put You first in my life, before my father, mother, son or daughter. I pray that I will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit which will enable me to follow your commands and to love You above other things. You are a constant in my life unlike everchanging humans. Help me to love others but not too much that I idolise them and think that they can take Your place in my life. I want You to be first in my life. Please help me to commune with You throughout my day and put You first before any decision big or small. I declare that You will never leave me or forsake me and that my purpose is to bring You and only You the glory.

In Jesus’ name, amen.