Matthew 10:34–36
“Do not think that I came to bring peace on 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 enemieswill be the members of his own household.”
If we consider the context of that time, we can imagine how extreme the situation was. What parent would willingly watch their child be beheaded before their very eyes? In those days, wives, children, and families could be captured because of faith in Jesus. Perhaps a father would be willing to suffer or even die, but he could not bear for his child to go through the same. Yet in reality, because of faith in Jesus Christ, children also suffered: some were slaughtered before their parents, some were herded together into arenas to be devoured by wild beasts.
This often leads parents to say, “Enough, let us not be Christians. Let us believe in our hearts. What matters is that we do not betray Jesus.” But the Lord Jesus clearly said in Luke 12:9, “Whoever disowns Me before men will be disowned before the angels of God.”
Why did Jesus emphasize this? Because He seeks people who are genuinely willing to struggle with Him. True Christians are eager to lose their families to remain faithful to Christ. In extreme situations, no “family kingdom” should ever take the place of the Kingdom of God. Yet family is often regarded as one’s very life and the center of human happiness. But when Jesus separates a son from his father, a daughter from her mother, and a daughter-in-law from her mother-in-law, He is testing true loyalty.
The critical question for us today is this: how have we treated our families so far? Has family become a “kingdom” that we regard as everything? If so, it may actually damage our faithfulness to God. However, this does not mean that we are free to neglect or be unfaithful to our families.
Jesus said in Matthew 10:37: “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.” The concrete application of this verse differs for each person, according to their circumstances. But the Holy Spirit helps us to put the Kingdom of God above our own families.
Consider this: many parents are willing to sacrifice any amount of money to send their children to school. But how much do they care about other children who cannot afford education? How much do they invest in God’s work? On the other hand, how many wealthy children die tragically abroad due to accidents, suicides, or murders? Can we truly protect our children?
The reality is this: only by building the Kingdom of God in our families can we be confident that the Father will protect our loved ones into eternity. Why do we not place God first? If we truly put the Lord first, believe this: our children will be cared for by Him. They each have their own provision, their own blessing. Do not pour out all your wealth on your children without teaching them to know God, because this is the eternal inheritance that is far more valuable than worldly riches.
If we defend the Lord first, then the Lord Himself will protect our families. But if we defend family more than the Lord, who will protect our families, since our own ability is so limited? Let God be the One who defends our families. A faithful Christian will love their family rightly—not by placing them above God. If a household is not harmonious—a husband betrayed by his wife, a wife betrayed by her husband, or children who rebel—do not let these destroy our faith. If we drown in family problems, it means we have made an idol out of family.
Remember! Do not merely shower children with material blessings while unconsciously allowing them to walk toward destruction. They will be perfectly cared for by the Lord if we lead them into His truth. Therefore, we must dare to change: step forward with the conviction that true holiness can be attained, and that attachment to the world can be released.