Matthew 10:35- “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—’”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus explains how His message and mission can create division, even within the closest relationships. While Jesus is the source of peace with God, His truth confronts sin and forces people to make a choice. That choice—to follow Jesus or reject Him—can lead to tension and conflict, even in families.
The verse isn’t a call to be divisive or to create strife intentionally. Instead, it’s a realistic warning: following Jesus may lead to rejection or opposition from loved ones who don’t share the same faith. This division arises because loyalty to Jesus requires prioritizing Him above all else, including family ties.
Historical Context
In Jesus’ time, loyalty to family was one of the highest values in Jewish culture. To follow Jesus as the Messiah often meant breaking away from religious traditions and facing rejection from one’s own family. For Jewish Christians, choosing Jesus could mean being cut off from their community and support system.
Early Christians also faced persecution for their faith. Family members who disagreed with their allegiance to Jesus might report them to authorities or pressure them to renounce their beliefs. Jesus’ warning prepared His disciples for these challenges.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the cost of discipleship. Jesus calls His followers to place their loyalty to Him above all other relationships, even those most dear to them. It emphasizes the transformative and sometimes disruptive nature of the gospel, which demands a total reorientation of one’s priorities.
It also reminds believers of the spiritual battle that accompanies following Christ. Choosing Jesus means aligning with God’s kingdom, which often puts His followers at odds with the world’s values.
Literary Analysis
This verse uses parallelism to emphasize the breadth of potential division: father and son, mother and daughter, in-laws. The repetition highlights the deep and personal impact of the gospel on relationships. The verb “turn” conveys a sense of deliberate change or conflict, underscoring the weight of the choice to follow Jesus.
Biblical Cross-References
- Micah 7:6: This Old Testament prophecy, which Jesus quotes, describes familial division as part of the tension between faithfulness to God and opposition from others.
- Luke 14:26: Jesus teaches that anyone who follows Him must prioritize Him above even their family relationships.
- Matthew 16:24: Jesus calls His disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him, reflecting the cost of discipleship.
- John 15:18-19: Jesus warns that the world’s hatred of Him will extend to His followers.
- 2 Timothy 3:12: Paul writes that all who live a godly life in Christ will face persecution.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder of the challenges that can come with following Jesus. It encourages believers to remain faithful, even when their commitment to Christ causes tension or rejection from family or friends. While the division is painful, it’s a natural part of living for Jesus in a world that doesn’t always embrace Him.
This verse also challenges Christians to examine their priorities. Are they willing to put Jesus first, even if it means making difficult sacrifices? It’s a call to unwavering loyalty and trust in Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is reflected in His desire for people to be in a relationship with Him, even when it comes at great personal cost. By warning His followers about the challenges they’ll face, He prepares them to endure and remain faithful. God’s love is also evident in the assurance that those who choose Him will ultimately find eternal life and joy in His presence.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate example of loyalty to God. His mission caused division, even among His own people, as He called them to repentance and faith. By following Him, believers share in His mission and the challenges that come with it. This verse also points to the centrality of Jesus in salvation—He is the dividing line between those who follow God and those who don’t.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus?
- Have you experienced tension or rejection in your relationships because of your faith? How did you respond?
- What does it mean to prioritize your loyalty to Jesus above all else?
- How can you remain faithful to Christ while navigating difficult relationships?
- How does Jesus’ own experience of rejection encourage you to stay committed to Him?