Matthew 10:35-40 in the King James Version (KJV) and an explanation of what Yashayah (Yeshua) was teaching:
Matthew 10:35-40 (KJV)
35 “For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.
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.
38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.”
Explanation
In these verses, Yashayah (Yeshua) is preparing His disciples for the challenges of true discipleship. Here’s a breakdown of His message:
- Division Within Families (Verses 35-36):
- Yashayah acknowledges that His teachings will often create conflict, even within families. He does not intend to promote discord, but He recognizes that following Him requires total commitment, which may lead to disagreement when family members do not share this dedication. This “variance” happens because disciples of Yashayah must prioritize their faith and obedience to Him, which can sometimes be in conflict with family ties or traditions.
- Supreme Loyalty to Yashayah (Verse 37):
- Yashayah declares that anyone who loves their family more than Him is “not worthy” of Him. This statement emphasizes the importance of putting Yashayah and His teachings above all else, even our closest relationships. This does not mean abandoning or dishonoring family but highlights the priority and loyalty that following Yashayah requires, even when it comes at a personal cost.
- Taking Up the Cross (Verse 38):
- The phrase “taketh not his cross” signifies the willingness to endure suffering, sacrifice, and even persecution for the sake of following Yashayah. In Yashayah’s time, the cross was a symbol of suffering and death. Here, Yashayah calls His followers to a level of commitment that may involve personal loss, hardship, or even martyrdom.
- Losing and Finding Life (Verse 39):
- This paradox teaches that those who seek to preserve their own life, prioritizing personal comfort or worldly goals over spiritual devotion, will ultimately lose true life. Conversely, those willing to “lose” their life—sacrificing selfish pursuits or even facing death for Yashayah’s sake—will find eternal life in Him. This reinforces the value of spiritual commitment over worldly attachments.
- Receiving the Disciples (Verse 40):
- Yashayah closes by reassuring His disciples that those who accept them and their message are effectively receiving Yashayah Himself, and by extension, the Father who sent Him. This verse underscores the unity between Yashayah, His disciples, and Ahayah, emphasizing that honoring Yashayah’s representatives is honoring Him directly.
Summary
In essence, Yashayah was stressing the cost and commitment of discipleship. True followers must be prepared for the sacrifices that come with serving Him, which may even include facing opposition from family. Yashayah’s teaching here is a call to put love and loyalty for Him above all else, recognizing that such devotion ultimately leads to eternal life and fulfillment in the Kingdom of God (Ahayah) T ( I Am ).
