Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn “ ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

--Parallel verses:
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬
Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].

Many people reach the end of their lives going down a life path without really understanding their purpose and plan in this world. They try to reach an understanding of why they were made without any input from their creator, God.

Jesus knows this and is warning his disciples that God and he, as the Son of God (and one with him) must have primacy in the heart of a true follower or servant of God.

So he “rips off the bandaid”, so to speak. He says: “I must be first in your heart.”

Jesus did not come to bring peace through compromise as much of the world thinks of peace. He came to conquer sin and death. He came to shine a light on the darkness and call it out. And he came to be the Prince of Peace, the Source, the Foundation of it, the Person in whom peace is found.

So he did come to divide with a sword. And this division is by the truth in the Word of God. So it is clear and we all need to pay attention: If our children or spouse are living in sin, we are to love them, but our loyalty is to God first. This sin can be overt, like sexual immorality, theft, or violent acts. It can also be covert, like bitterness, impure thoughts, or greed. And in general, sin relationships naturally causes division and that can happen in families too.

The goal with putting God first, is that those who have separated from you, because of this sinful life, will see the light and come back to the truth. The truth is … complete surrender to Jesus is the only way to God!

Our Romans cross reference lays this out very well. We must offer up our bodies as a living sacrifice. We must be transformed in our minds. We must turn from sin and pursue and aggressively seek righteousness.

Lord, continue to purify my heart. I surrender to you as my Lord. I lay all that I have, including even my closest relationships, at your feet. Use it as you desire. I am fully committed to serving you all of my days. No holdbacks. No crossed fingers. You have full reign!