Worthy Of Him

Tuesday, November 3

Matthew 10:35-29 (NKJV)

“For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ 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. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.”

Devotion

The phrase ‘worthy of Me’ was used three times in this passage. Jesus was making a point. What does it mean to be ‘worthy of Him’?

The word ‘worthy’ (axios) in this passage has to do with ‘just weights,’ as in a scale and balancing weights. Its meaning describes something of similar weight or value; something that is compatible, fitting, and appropriate.

What Jesus is saying here is, ‘Who is compatible to run with Me?’ He continues to explain that one who is fit to walk this journey with Him must be one who is without compromise, who will not put anyone or anything before Him or above Him.

As the twelve disciples heard this, it must have sounded very radical. They must have swallowed hard. But Jesus never minced words. He was speaking directly about the journey ahead and the weight that their actions would carry into eternity. Jesus was on a mission sent from God to save the lost. He and those who followed Him would face opposition from those who did not believe in Him, and that opposition might come from those closest to them. If they had any second thoughts, compromise, or reluctance toward the task ahead, they were not fit to walk this journey with Him. It was truly a defining moment. Jesus knew He was speaking to the twelve He had handpicked to be His ‘sent ones’ (apostles), who would carry His gospel throughout the world.

Jesus continued to tell them, “He who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.”

The phrase ‘take up his cross’ represents the definitive end of self-will and self-centeredness. In God’s kingdom, laying down one’s own desires in order to pick up God’s will paints a picture of true surrender. This is the real symbolism of the Cross:

‘I surrender.’

The one who loses this lower life will find eternal life. And this is not just living forever with Him, but experiencing the quality of the life of God. For Jesus said, ‘I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly’ (John 10:10).

And those who have found His life will become like lamps that shine His life in a dark world. The darkness will never comprehend it, but the lost will see His life and find their way home.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I lay my life down before You once again. Anything that prevents me from picking up my cross and following You, I let it go. Use me in this hour to reflect Your glory, to walk in Your presence, and to shine the light of Your glorious gospel so others may come to know You. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

You live in a time when the right choices must be made. Seek the Lord and pray about everything. Think of one issue that needs His hand of direction and blessing upon it. Commit it to the Lord, pray, wait on Him, and do not compromise your faith in Him.

Resources

• Saying yes to God requires surrender and sacrifice. Take a moment to watch this short clip, “The Cost Of A Calling” and be reminded of what it means to follow Him!

• Use this question as a decision-making filter throughout the week: Does it honor God? (1 Corinthians 10:31)