“And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.”
Matthew 10:38 — Greek Interlinear
Church Fathers on Matthew 10:38
Because of what He had said, 'I am not come to send peace but a sword, &c.' that none might suppose that family affection was banished from His religion, He now adds, 'He that loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.' So in the Song of Songs we read, 'Order love in me.' [2:4] For this order is needed in every affection; after God love thy father, thy mother, and thy children; but if a necessity should occur that the love of parents and children comes into…
For they who have esteemed domestic affection of relations higher than God, are unworthy to inherit good things to come.
Yet when Paul bids us obey our parents in all things, we are not to marvel; for we are only to obey in such things are not hurtful to our piety to God. It is holy to render them every other honour, but when they demand more than is due, we ought not to yield. This is likewise agreeable to the Old Testament; in it the Lord commands that all who worshipped idols, should not only be held in abhorrence, but should be stoned. And in Deuteronomy it is said, 'He who saith to his…