Navigating Biblical Family Dynamics: Divine Love or Familial Respect?
In this article, you will learn how Exodus 18:7 contradicts Matthew 10:37, Luke 14:26, Matthew 23:9, Luke 9:59-60 and Mark 3:31-35. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
In exploring the Bible, we find apparent contradictions between familial love and devotion to God. Take Exodus 18:7, where Moses warmly greets his father-in-law, Jethro, with a bow, hug, and kiss. This scene paints a picture of respect and love within family bonds. However, in several New Testament passages, this notion seems to take a backseat to the love and devotion owed to God.
Matthew 10:37 presents a challenging idea: it states that love for the Lord should be prioritized over love for one's family. This seems to clash with Moses' demonstration of familial affection and respect in Exodus. Similarly, Luke 14:26 suggests that complete devotion to Jesus might even require one to forsake their family. This can feel contradictory to the family-first approach evident in Exodus.
Further, Matthew 23:9 advises against calling anyone on earth 'father,' emphasizing a heavenly focus instead. Yet, Exodus 18:7 underscores the significance of showing respect and reverence toward family elders, which often includes such expressions.
Luke 9:59-60 tells of a man asked to leave his family duties behind to follow Christ, which stands in stark contrast to Moses' fulfillment of family responsibilities when welcoming Jethro. Lastly, Mark 3:31-35 highlights spiritual kinship over biological ties, suggesting a shift in the value placed on earthly family interaction seen in Exodus.
These passages together pose important questions for us: How do we balance the demands of spiritual devotion with those of family relationships? It's not unlike the dilemma faced by a person torn between career ambition and spending time with loved ones. Each decision has its value and cost. Thus, the Bible challenges readers to find harmony between divine devotion and earthly responsibilities, seeking wisdom in navigating these complex relationships.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Exodus 18:7 | And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of [their] welfare; and they came into the tent. [welfare: Heb. peace] |
| 2. | Matthew 10:37 | 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. |
| 3. | Luke 14:26 | If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. |
| 4. | Matthew 23:9 | And call no [man] your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. |
| 5. | Luke 9:59-60 | And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. |
| 6. | Mark 3:31-35 | There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him. |