 |  |
Verses 34 and 35 are problematic too. The Lord Jesus assures them that He has not
come to bring in an easy time of peace and quiet, rather the opposite, symbolized by a
sword (10: 35, 36) which would enter even into family life and cause division between
those who receive His words and those who do not. This does not contradict the
wondrous peace promise in John 14: 27 which is the privilege of all who truly trust in
the Lord for everything. This peace can be experienced at all times even though they
may be difficult and challenging. It is not peace at any price, but a glorious experience of
rest and calm for those whose faith causes them to rely entirely upon the Lord.
Christ's teaching goes on to deal with love in its relationship to others:
"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" (10: 37, N.I.V.).
Luke's Gospel states the same truth in a way that sounds puzzling:
"If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and
children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be My disciple.
And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple"
(Luke.xiv.26, N.I.V.)
This does not mean that men are to bear ill will to their families, but is strong
language to emphasize that devotion to one's family must take second place to devotion
to Christ. "In all things He must have the pre-eminence (first place)" (Col. 1: 18). The
believer must love the Lord in action more than his family, and this must constantly be
shown by deeds rather than words.
We need to remember constantly that the love of the N.T. is not just an emotion, or
exalted feeling, but is expressed by what we do. Our love for Him is measured by just
how far we are prepared to go in loss and even suffering for the Lord.
When Christ talks about taking up the cross, He was using an illustration that would
be familiar to all Jews. It was the custom for a condemned person to carry his own cross,
as the Lord did Himself--until Simon the Cyrene was impressed for that purpose. The
Jews were well acquainted with crucifixion since the time of Antiochus Epiphanes. One
of the Maccabean rulers, Alexander Jannaeus, had crucified no less than 800 Pharisees.
When the Lord used this illustration, no one could be in any doubt of its meaning,
namely suffering and loss. Mark (8: 35), Luke (9: 24; 17: 33) and John (12: 25)
contain the same teaching.
It should be noted that the word of "life" in verse 39 is psuche, soul. The losing of the
soul for Christ's sake, the salvation of the soul, are statements with a special doctrinal
significance which we shall see when we consider 16: 24-28. Any loss which follows
faithful service for the Lord is respected by Him and honoured by reward, for He will be
in no man's debt. The doctrine of reward has been misunderstood and misrepresented by