In this Scripture we have one of the most difficult passages spoken by Jesus. He says in verses 32 – 33, “Everyone therefore who shall confess Me (as all I represent, and have spoken) before men, I will also confess before My Father Who is in Heaven. But whoever shall deny Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father Who is in Heaven. Jesus makes our public profession of faith in Him (as the Living Word of God) the Sword which divides those whom He will proclaim before His Father, against those who deny Him publicly. Ephesians 6: 17b: says, “And the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” He is emphatic that there is no middle ground for anyone. He also brings it home when He portrays a family divided within, because of the individual choice by each member to follow, or deny Him, as in Verses 35 – 37: saying, “For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be the members 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.” It is obvious that not all will answer the call to accept Jesus, and follow Him without reservation, and it is especially painful when it happens within families. However, we have the precious promises…
