The Disciples of the King: The Mission of the Church (Matt. 10)

[Sung Psalm: 23]

I’ve been reflecting this week on how often I abstract “bearing the cross” from the Cross of Jesus.

We can talk about marriage as “martyrdom” – laying down your life for your wife (or your husband).

But the longer we talk about that, the more we start to focus on the benefit – the reward – that we really want (namely, a wife – or husband – that pleases us!). And so “bearing the cross” becomes religious code for “how to manipulate my wife.”

I find myself constantly struggling to remember that the Cross of Jesus is not about how to get what I want! Taking up my cross always means following Jesus – being reoriented to his priorities – his kingdom – his righteousness. The reward that Jesus promises is not that your wife will love you! In fact, Jesus says that he has come not to bring peace to the earth – but a sword! Following Jesus may well result in the hatred of your wife, your family, and society!

There is a reward! There is the best of all possible rewards: Jesus himself! And if God has been so gracious as to give you a spouse who thinks that Jesus is the most awesome reward imaginable – then you can take up your cross and follow him together.

But if your spouse matters more to you than Jesus? Then you are not worthy of Jesus!

Yeah, I know. That’s easy to say – but it’s hard to hear.

So let’s work through this chapter together and hear what Jesus is saying to us.