Who Is Number One? – July 3, 2026

Listen to Devotion

Read: Matthew 10:34-42

[Jesus said] “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” Matthew 10:37-40,42

Who Is Number One?

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

It is an uncomfortable situation. You are with your friends. All of a sudden your time together has turned from harmless fun to harmful wrong. Here are some examples:

• Everyone else seems fine with messing with a neighbor’s lawn decorations and stealing them, but what are you going to do?
• Or maybe you are home with your older siblings, and they want to watch a certain movie or play a video game that the folks have said no to. What do you do?
• Or maybe everyone in class is laughing at someone, and you know it isn’t kind. What do you do?

Sometimes, following Jesus means making difficult, uncomfortable and unpopular choices. In today’s reading, Jesus says something that sounds truly frightening: He says he didn’t come to bring peace, but a sword.

These are shocking words from the Prince of Peace. Jesus isn’t talking about hurting people with a real sword. He means that following him can sometimes cause disagreements because not everyone believes the same things about God.

But we know this is sometimes part of our lives as Christians.

Jesus is talking about how following him can sometimes cause “sharp” disagreements, even with people we love, like our family or best friends. He wants us to know that being his disciple means he is “Number One” in our lives—even ahead of our close relationships, favorite hobbies, our sports teams, or our own plans.

Jesus is to be “Number One” in our lives. All the time. In everything. This sounds like a big job, doesn’t it? The truth is, we aren’t very good at putting Jesus first. Certainly not all the time. Sometimes peer pressure gets the better of us. Too often, we just want peace, so we go along with what we know is wrong. But here is the good news: Jesus put you first. Every time. Without fail. Jesus left the perfect peace in heaven and went to the pain and suffering on the cross for you to take away every sin and every time you choose peace over him. Because Jesus loves you perfectly, he gives you the Holy Spirit to help you stand up for what is right.

Now, in faith, we see this in a new light. Jesus tells us, when you put others first—when you help a friend, share your lunch, or tell someone about Jesus—he says it’s like you are doing those things for him! Even something as small as giving a cup of cold water to someone who is thirsty is a big deal to God. Sometimes we think only big things matter. Jesus reminds us that small acts of love matter too.

Live in faith and in the love of the one who put you first; and because Jesus put you first, you can put him first too.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you put me first and died for my sins. Help me to put you first in my life, even when it’s hard or when my friends don’t understand. Give me a heart that is ready to serve others with kindness. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Jesus says even a simple cup of cold water can make a difference. Why do small acts of kindness matter so much to God?
• Can you think of a small act of kindness someone showed you? How did it make you feel?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why is it sometimes hard to put Jesus first when everyone around us is doing something different?
• Jesus says that whoever welcomes you, welcomes him. How does it make you feel to know that you represent Jesus to the world?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Jesus says, “Whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” How do we “lose our life” for Jesus in normal, everyday ways?
• If Jesus really is “Number One,” what is one thing our family could do this week to show that together?

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