He that finds his life shall lose it: and he that loses his life for my sake shall find it.
All Commentaries on Matthew 10:39 Go To Matthew 10
John Chrysostom
AD 407
Yet when Paul bids us obey our parents in all things, we are not to marvel; forwe 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 itthe 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 saithto his father and his mother, I know you not; and to his brethren, Ye are strangers; he hath kept thy saying.” .
Because these commands seemed burdensome, He proceeds to show their great use and benefit, saying, “He that findeth his life shall lose it.” As much as tosay, Not only do these things that I have inculcated do no harm, but they are of great advantage to a man; and the contrary thereof shall do him great hurt -and this is His manner everywhere. He uses those things which men’s affections are set upon as a means of bringing them to their duty. Thus: Why are you loath to contemn your life? Because you love it? For that very reason contemn it, and you will do itthe highest service.
