Confessing Christ Will Cost You

Accompanying Scripture Reading: Matthew 10:32-33

Jesus never recruited disciples under false pretenses. He did not promise ease, applause, or cultural approval. From the very beginning, He told the truth: “A disciple is not above his teacher.” If the world hated Him, it would hate those who follow Him. If He was slandered, opposed, rejected, and ultimately killed, His followers should not expect a softer road.

That reality frames the tenth chapter of Matthew’s Gospel. Jesus is preparing His disciples to be sent into a hostile world marked by intimidation, rejection, and fear. Some would be mocked. Others marginalized. Some would lose relationships, reputations, or livelihoods. And for many believers throughout history (and today) the cost has been far higher.

I was recently told a story about a pastor-friend in Mexico who was beaten by cartel members to remind him who runs the town. That is not theoretical persecution. That is the cost of naming Christ in the wrong place. But even if most of us never face violence, every disciple will face pressure. You will face pressure to soften truth, pressure to stay quiet, pressure to avoid saying what we know will offend.

And that is where the rubber meets the road. It is easy to say “amen” in church. It is harder when your faith is questioned at work, mocked in public, or challenged in conversation. What will you say when your moment of testing comes—when telling the truth will cost you something?

That is exactly the question Jesus addresses in Matthew 10:32–33. His words prepare us for costly faithfulness by showing us three realities every disciple must face.

Reality #1: Confessing Christ

In Matthew 10:32, Jesus explains the mark of true discipleship: confession. He says,“Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men…” The word “confess” means to openly acknowledge, or to declare allegiance. This is not private belief tucked safely away in the heart. It is visible, verbal identification with Christ.

Some professing Christians will say, “I’m a person of faith, but I keep it to myself. It’s personal. I don’t want to offend anyone.” That mindset may sound humble or respectful, but it is exactly what Jesus calls us away from. The object of confession is Christ! We are not confessing mere Christian values, moral principles, or conservatism. Christian confession is not vague. We confess Jesus Christ, Himself “before men” which implies open and unashamed belief. Confession is public by definition. Faithful disciples are willing to be known as belonging to Christ.

In today’s world, many people speak positively about Jesus in general terms. They call Him a good teacher, a moral example, or a spiritual guide. But that is not the kind of confession Christ is talking about in Matthew 10:32-33. Confession is allegiance that declares, “He is my Savior and Lord. I belong to Him. I stand with Christ and for Christ even when it costs me.” 

This is baseline discipleship. Faithful followers do not hide their loyalty or compartmentalize Jesus into private spaces. They live openly under His name.

Reality #2: Courage for Christ

Confessing Christ is not easy, which is why it requires courage.

In Matthew 10:32-33, the repeated phrase “before men” emphasizes where the battle is fought. Fear of people is the pressure point. And under pressure, denial often looks less like outright rejection and more like silence. Denial shows up when truth is softened, convictions are blurred, or clarity is avoided to keep the peace. It sounds like, “That’s not my place,” or “I don’t really know,” when Christ’s name and truth are clearly at stake. 

But Jesus gives no category for neutral silence when allegiance to Him is on the line. Courage is refusing to deny Christ when faithfulness is costly. It is choosing obedience over approval. Throughout Matthew 10, Jesus assumes pressure will come. He tells His disciples they will be hated, slandered, and opposed. Yet even in the face of such things, courage is not optional.  Moments of testing are divine appointments. They are opportunities either to strengthen our faith or expose misplaced fear. Every disciple will face moments when loyalty to Christ collides with fear of man. And in those moments, courage for Christ is the call.

Reality #3: Consequences for Denial

Jesus ends His statement with a sober warning in verse 33 saying, “Whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.” The scene shifts from earth to heaven. From public opinion to eternal accountability. This is courtroom language. Representation language. Advocacy language.

To be denied by Christ before the Father is to stand alone, with no mediator, no advocate, no Savior. And make no mistake about it, Jesus is not teaching salvation by bravery. He is simply revealing the nature of true faith. Faith that belongs to Christ confesses Him. Faith that consistently denies Him reveals false allegiance.

Like Peter who denied the Lord but wept bitterly and turned from it (Matthew 26:75; John 21:15-19), true believers may falter, but they repent, return, and remain loyal. If you love Christ, His warning is not meant to terrify you. It is meant to steady you.

One day, everyone will confess Him. Every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. The only question is whether you will confess Him willingly now, or unwillingly then. The world may reward silence and applaud compromise. But the approval of men is temporary. The approval of heaven is eternal.

So when your moment comes and confessing Christ will cost you, what will you say?