The Unexpected Response
Scripture: “Now great crowds were accompanying him, and he turned and said to them, ‘If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.'” (Luke 14.25-26 ESV)
Main Point: Jesus responds to enthusiastic crowds not with welcoming words but with challenging demands that force us to count the cost of discipleship.
Picture this scene: Jesus has just told a parable about compelling people to come to a great feast. The crowds are responding. People are following. Success, right? But instead of capitalizing on this momentum with encouraging words, Jesus does something shocking—He essentially asks people to reconsider whether they should be following Him at all.
This is not the approach of modern church growth strategies. We might expect Jesus to say, “Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. Let me tell you about all the wonderful blessings that await you as my follower.” Instead, Jesus speaks of hating family members and one’s own life.
Why does Jesus respond this way? Because He knows that superficial commitment crumbles under pressure. He knows that following Him will cost everything, and it’s better to understand this from the beginning than to discover it in the middle of suffering. Jesus loves these crowds too much to let them follow Him based on false expectations.
The word “hate” here doesn’t mean malicious animosity, but rather the recognition that our love for Christ must be so supreme that all other loves—even the deepest family bonds—pale in comparison. It’s about the order of our affections, the priority of our loyalties.
Reflection:
Consider how Jesus’ challenging words reveal His deep love for us. What drew you to follow Jesus initially? How do you respond when following Jesus conflicts with family expectations? What does it mean for your love of Christ to be supreme?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help us to love You above all else and follow You with understanding of the true cost. In Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
Responses