Mollycoddling

by Chadwick Brewer

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master” (Matthew 10:24).

Here in Matthew, Jesus is telling his disciples that persecution will come. Followers of Jesus will be dragged into court, flogged, and even put to death by their own families. In this context, Jesus states that a disciple is not above his teacher. He then goes on to say, in a few sentences, that He did not come to bring peace but a sword. These conflicts do not come from a literal sword, but rather, they come from the radical gospel that they were to preach and live.

Sometimes, we teachers fool ourselves into thinking that if we are extra smart and doubly clever with an extra dose of understanding toward others, we can avoid conflicts with the world. We often view a peaceful existence as a sign of a well-done job. Jesus, the creator and maker of everything, said we are not above Him. We cannot be more clever, intelligent, or understanding.

Conflict and strife are not the only markers of following Jesus. We can create a lot of conflict and strife with sin and selfishness. But, if I never ruffle any feathers in my teaching, then I have not proclaimed the whole counsel of God. Perhaps I have not truly stepped out as a sheep amongst wolves. Maybe I have been mollycoddling those around me rather than turning a sinner from their ways. I am not above my master. Peace with all is not a sign that I have done a better job than Him; it is a sign that I have not done the job that He has assigned.