Introduction: Today’s lessons might make us feel uncomfortable. They give us a side of the Gospel we might often neglect. Jesus reminds us that He has come to bring a sword -–not necessarily peace! The point may be startling yet compelling – conflict will naturally occur when one makes Jesus Christ first priority.

There is naturally a conflict with competing loves. The way of Christ is never easy, for it is the way of the cross – a way of hardship and self-sacrifice. Jesus in our Gospel lesson suggests that we arm ourselves with the mind of Christ.

I.                    Jesus gives us a reminder

"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 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-- a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.' Matthew 10:34-36 (NIV)

A.     Not peace but a sword.

1.     The Prince of Peace will not have a cheap peace, the peace of compromise, or a peace of this fallen world.

2.      His peace destroys sin and all love of evil, and it creates the new man in Christ.

B.      A separation is required that cuts through relationships. This is where the “cost of discipleship” can become quite costly as it may take its toll and leave its mark in families.

1.      The church, which has its roots, which has its roots in the quiet privacy of the home now, roots out every sinful relationship, even between parents and children.

2.      The divisions of enmity removed, the home is now the most pure church.

3.      As prophesied in Micah 7:6-7 this is part of the woes of the daughter of Zion, viz. That the kingdom of peace will be ushered in with the conflict of those who are in close physical union.

“For son treats father contemptuously, daughter rises up against her mother, daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man's enemies are the men of his own household. But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.” - Micah 7:6-7 (NAS)

II.                 A warning

"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:37-39 (NIV)

A.      What constitutes worthiness?

1.      There is nothing wrong with loving father, mother, son, daughter per se – in fact, it is even commanded in the 4^th commandment. {This tension between Christ’s command in our text and the command of the 2^nd table of the law is good for us. It helps us ask and answer the tough questions. How do I honor God, my spouse, and children? How do I keep my priorities straight?} 

2.      The lessons is “more than me” – a question of priority. Other loyalties must be defined.

B.      Take up the cross!

1.      The pattern of Christ’s suffering is the outline of our ministry.

2.      It tells us that grace alone can make and keep the disciple.

C.      Find life or lose life.

1.      Life, is the life principle. It refers to temporal life and what supports it. To lose that life in contrition and faith is to find eternal life!

2.      This again points us to grace – nothing in us but God’s enabling power toward us.

III.               A Promise

"He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." Matthew 10:40-42 (NIV)

A.        The disciple is the extension and the vehicle of Christ Himself.

1.      The persuasive call of the gospel goes out through us.

2.      The peace of forgiveness rests on those who receive the messengers of god.

B.        A disciples’ work is never in vain.

1.      The most menial service (even as much as a cup of cold water) rendered to His messengers shall receive a reward.

2.      The blessings of grace are assured to us, and through us they are scattered to others.

Conclusion: Again, there is naturally a conflict with competing loves. The way of Christ is never easy, for it is the way of the cross – a way of hardship and self-sacrifice. As Jesus in our Gospel lesson suggests - arm yourselves with the mind of Christ.

 + Soli Deo Gloria +