No More Shallow Relationships: Matthew 10:37-39
““37) He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38) And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39) He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.” Matthew 10:37-39
Many read this in a negative light. It almost creates a tension and competition between loving God or your family. I view it in a slightly different light. I believe He is saying that our relationship with Christ can become the most valuable and precious relationship in this life. It can surpass all other relationships. In fact, we can come to the point of loving Christ more than life itself.
Paul touched on this surpassing value in Philippians 3:7-11. His relationship with Jesus eclipsed the meaning and value of everything else in this life.
The important thing to understand is that this is not reckless devotion to a cause you were programmed into like a mercenary. The relationship with Jesus is saturated with Agape love.
Early in my Christian life these verses troubled me. I had virtually no relationship in my life based on unconditional love. I was wounded. Over time, my growing love relationship with Jesus brought healing and soon became the source of love that started overflowing to others.
The text now comes alive with a profound observation. The word Jesus used for family love is “phileo.” But the love we can share with Jesus is “Agape.” It’s a much higher form of love.
Here is the point, if you merely have “phelio” love toward Jesus you relationship is shallow. It cannot go deeper than any human relationship. But when someone is born-again the Holy Spirit begins to pour out Agape love within them. (Romans 5:5)
Watch carefully, from that point forward “Agape” love becomes our new fuel for relationships. It’s not a competition between family and God. It’s the opportunity to move all relationships deeper into Agape love. Jesus becomes the endless source of Agape love.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
