Matthew: Part 1Sample

Following Jesus isn’t always easy. It might cost us a lot and require a lot.

Jesus said that He didn’t come “to bring peace, but a sword.” Now, that does not mean He wants everyone to fight all the time. What Jesus meant when He said this is, if you follow Jesus, it might cause some conflict in your life. 

Other people won’t understand and might try to argue with you, make fun of you, or say you’re stupid for following Jesus. Jesus even told His followers that some people in your own family might not understand! And, that’s okay.

Everything won’t always be easy or peaceful. No matter what, our top priority should be following Jesus. That might mean we have to give up some comfort and peace because following Jesus might cause conflict—other people won’t always get it. 

That means we might have to give up some things we want to do or like to do because it isn’t putting Jesus first. 

It might mean we have to give up some friendships because they’re a bad influence on us and are distracting us from Jesus. 

It might mean we give up time and energy to help or serve others instead of spending our free time doing whatever we feel like. 

It could mean a lot of different things. What does it look like for you to make Jesus your top priority? What is one thing you can do today to put Jesus first?