“Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names!” Matthew 10:24-25 NLT

Jesus is addressing the truth about being a committed follower of Christ.

When I was a teen and into my early years of adulthood, I thought I could find a way to be greater than my father and avoid some of the things he went through as a leader. I loved my dad. We were close. He taught me many great things. I didn’t want to go through some of the same things he did.

To my surprise, I ended up following him in the leadership of Warm Beach Camp Ministries. (It was a work of God in my life to even be open to this.) It’s been 30 years since he retired, and I began. Here is what I have learned. This son is not greater than his father. I have simply lived a life growing, doing, and being on the foundation laid down by him for me. He laid down a foundation of opportunity and hard work. The issues my father faced that I thought I could avoid have proved to be some of the greatest challenges in my life.

At the heart of it is a willingness to live a life of submission and sacrifice and faithfully do what is required while trusting God every step of the way. This is what Jesus is getting at.

As followers of Christ, each of us will experience great temptations in the desert times of our lives in our own way. Hard sacrifices will be required. Some will challenge our identity with Christ and accuse us of things even worse than what they accused Christ of. I am not greater than Jesus, and neither are you. As his followers, we will face challenges that will test us to the core. There will be times when we will be on our knees, wishing someone was there with us, crying out to God, “Do I really have to go through with this? Isn’t there another option? I trust you, God. Your will is best, and that is what I want.”

Jesus drives this point home with these words: “If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.” Matthew 10:38-39 NLT.

Jesus is very honest with us about following him. In Him, we have a new life of freedom and belonging. There is great authority to heal, help, bless, and encourage others in his name. We are given the power to deal with Satan, demons, and all forms of evil in the name of Jesus.

We have the opportunity to invite everyone to this great invitation of Jesus to be forgiven of sin, reestablish a relationship with God, and grow into a transformed life through the careful work and attention of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Jesus also wants us to be aware of the challenges and opposition involved along the way. He prepares and equips us. We don’t get a pass. As followers of Christ, we go through many difficulties.

Jesus reminds us that we will be saved through all of this, and there is great reward in following him.

– Ed McDowell, CEO Warm Beach Camp Ministries