Matthew 10:32-39 Devotional

He started working with me on the low board. Soon, I was gaining confidence and faith in my abilities.  One day, he said, “Let's try the high board.”  “I will go up with you and be there to coach you.” I said, “Sure.” As I climbed the ladder, my whole body shook as I stared down at the water. Standing at the edge of the board, I heard my “friends” calling out, “You’ll regret it.” “You can’t do it.” I started to turn around when the lifeguard said, “I'm with you and I've got you covered. You can do it.” I can remember the horrifying leap as I plunged into the water and came up shouting, “Wahoo, I did it.” 

All analogies break down, but following Christ can feel like that—standing at the edge, hearing voices of caution or criticism. But to follow Him fully means leaping, even when others don’t understand.

Read Matthew 10:32-39

Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:32–39 are striking in their clarity and gravity:

“Therefore, everyone who will acknowledge me before others, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever denies me before others, I will also deny him before my Father in heaven.” (vv. 32–33 CSB)

This isn't about casual conversations—it’s about loyalty under pressure. To publicly align ourselves with Christ is to affirm His lordship above all else.

“Don’t assume that I came to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (v. 34 CSB)

Here, Jesus prepares us for the reality that truth often divides. Following Him might cause friction even within families—not because He encourages conflict, but because allegiance to Him reorders every priority.

“The one who loves a father or mother more than me is not worthy of me… and whoever doesn’t take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” (vv. 37–38 CSB)

These verses redefine what it means to love well. Jesus must come first—even before those we cherish most.

“Anyone who finds his life will lose it, and anyone who loses his life because of me will find it.” (v. 39 CSB)

This paradox is the heart of the gospel: we gain everything when we surrender everything.

Practical Personal Application

Where is your boldness being tested? Maybe at work, among friends, or even within family. Jesus calls us to publicly align with Him, not in arrogance but with unwavering love and clarity.

What relationships or comforts compete with your loyalty to Christ? These verses don’t tell us to reject our families, but to make Christ our ultimate allegiance.

Are you clinging to your life or laying it down? Sometimes we fear surrender, thinking we’ll lose ourselves—but in Christ, surrender is the pathway to becoming who we were meant to be.

·   This passage invites us to live unapologetically for Jesus, not clinging to lesser loves or safer lives.

Closing Prayer

Jesus, You are worth more than comfort, popularity, or even peace with those closest to me. Teach me to acknowledge You boldly—to put You above every other love. When I’m tempted to shrink back or prioritize ease, remind me of the joy that comes from following You wholeheartedly. May my life be a clear confession of my love for You. Strengthen me to carry my cross with courage and lead me into the life only You can give. In Your name, Amen.