Matthew 10:37
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Matthew 10:37: "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."
Here Jesus sharpens the call to total allegiance. In the context of mission and discipleship, He places love for Him above even the closest human bonds. The strong language (“not worthy of me”) signals the radical reordering of loves required to belong to Jesus. The verse does not condemn ordinary affection; rather, it challenges where ultimate devotion rests. In 1st-century Jewish culture, devotion to one’s family and lineage was foundational. Jesus’ demand reinterprets loyalty: one’s primary allegiance must be to Him, because He embodies the gracious rule of God and calls for radical obedience. This verse is often paired with the previous verse, illustrating the cost of discipleship. The claim is meant to disrupt complacent religiosity and invite a transformative trust that redefines identity inside and beyond biological ties.
Theologically, the verse emphasizes the supremacy of Christ in the order of love. It reflects the inauguration of the Kingdom of God where Jesus’ person and mission are the prism through which all other duties are measured. The “worthy” language echoes the moral evaluation of faithfulness: love of Jesus is the precursor to genuine discipleship, shaping ethical choices, priorities, and loyalties. This theme resonates with Jesus’ later statements about serving two masters and storing treasures in heaven. It also foreshadows the church as a new family whose members’ primary bond is devotion to Christ and one another in the Spirit, surpassing natural kinship when it conflicts with the gospel.
Practically, this calls believers to examine the color of their loyalties: Are you prioritizing family expectations over Christ’s call to holiness, evangelism, or justice? For instance, when a parent pressures you to pursue a career path that conflicts with your sense of God’s leading, you can still honor parental role while seeking God’s direction. It’s about a sincere commitment that places Jesus at the center and allows love for others to be guided by kingdom ethics. Engage in honest dialogue, seek wise counsel, and practice humility. This is not a cue for contempt toward family, but a reminder that true life flows from following Jesus first, enabling healthier relationships grounded in truth, mercy, and shared mission.
Cross-References: Luke 14:26; Matthew 6:24; Mark 8:34-38; Philippians 3:7-11; John 12:25.