CHRIST and coffee! Are you worthy of Jesus?

Matthew 10:32-39 (ESV) states:

32 “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven,
33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
36 And a person's enemies will be those of his own household.

37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Meaning and Reflection:
Public Confession of Faith (v. 32-33): Jesus emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith and publicly acknowledging Him. Loyalty to Christ should be above fear of rejection.
Not Peace, But a Sword (v. 34-36): This doesn't mean Jesus promotes violence, but that His message will create division, even among families, as people choose whether to follow Him or not.
Supreme Love for Christ (v. 37): True discipleship means prioritizing Jesus above all relationships, even family.
The Call to Carry the Cross (v. 38): Following Christ requires sacrifice and a willingness to endure hardship for His sake.
Losing Life to Gain It (v. 39): Paradoxically, those who prioritize earthly security over Christ will ultimately lose eternal life, while those who surrender their lives to Jesus will find true life in Him.

Applying Matthew 10:32-39 to Our Lives
1. Boldly Confessing Christ (v. 32-33)
In a world that often opposes Christian values, Jesus calls us to publicly acknowledge our faith.
This could mean standing firm in our beliefs at work, in social circles, or even within our own families.
It challenges us: Do we choose Jesus even when it’s uncomfortable?
Reflection: Have you ever hesitated to express your faith? What might be holding you back?

2. Division for the Sake of Truth (v. 34-36)
Jesus’ message is one of love and salvation, but it also divides because not everyone accepts it.
When we follow Christ, we may experience tension with family, friends, or even culture.
The “sword” represents the decisive choice every person must make: Will we follow Christ or conform to the world?
Reflection: Have you ever faced opposition because of your faith? How did you respond?

3. Loving Jesus Above All (v. 37)
Jesus is not saying we should neglect our family but that our love for Him should surpass all relationships.
This means that if family or friends pressure us to compromise our faith, we must stand with Jesus.
Reflection: Are there relationships in your life that challenge your commitment to Christ?

4. Taking Up the Cross (v. 38)
The cross symbolizes suffering, sacrifice, and total surrender to God’s will.
Following Jesus means embracing challenges, hardships, and even persecution.
This verse reminds us that Christianity is not about comfort but about commitment.
Reflection: What “cross” are you carrying in your walk with Christ?

5. Losing Your Life to Find It (v. 39)
If we prioritize worldly success, comfort, and self-preservation over Christ, we will lose eternal life.
But if we surrender our ambitions, desires, and even our very lives for Jesus, we gain true, abundant life in Him.

Reflection: What are you holding onto that prevents you from fully following Christ?

Final Thoughts
This passage is a call to courage, commitment, and surrender. Jesus doesn’t promise an easy road, but He promises eternal life and Himself to those who follow Him wholeheartedly