Matthew 10:37

“He that loveth father or mother more than me, etc.] The design of these words, is not at all to lessen the due affection of children to their parents; or to detract from the respect and esteem, in which they ought to be had by them: it is the duty of children, to love, honour, and, obey them; who have been the means of bringing them into the world, and of bringing them up in it; nor do any of the doctrines of Christ break in upon the ties and obligations of nature, or in the least set aside any of the duties of natural religion: but the intent of this passage is, to show, that as Christ is infinitely above all creatures, he is to be loved above the nearest and dearest relations and friends;…”

“He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me--(Compare Deu 33:9). As the preference of the one would, in the case supposed, necessitate the abandonment of the other, our Lord here, with a sublime, yet awful self-respect, asserts His own claims to supreme affection.”

“He that loveth father or mother ... - The meaning of this is clear. Christ must be loved supremely, or he is not loved at all. If we are not willing to give up all earthly possessions, and forsake all earthly friends, and if we do not obey him rather than all others, we have no true attachment to him. Is not worthy of me - Is not appropriate to be regarded as a follower of me, or is not a Christian. return to 'Top of Page'”

“He that loveth father or mother more than me - He that is not ready to give up all these, when they stand in competition with his duty. Matthew 10:38”

“10:37-39 The cross was a Roman instrument of torture and execution (27:27-55). To take up your cross and follow Jesus involves loving him above all other things and being willing to follow him regardless of the physical or social consequences.”

“that loveth father: Mat 22:37; Deu 33:9; Luk 14:26; Joh 5:23, Joh 21:15-17; Co2 5:14, Co2 5:15; Phi 3:7-9 not: Mat 22:8; Luk 20:35, Luk 21:36; Th2 1:5-7; Rev 3:4 Matthew 10:38”