Reflecting on Luke 14:25-27“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26).
To our modern western ears, these words sound extremely harsh, and wrong.
But imagine a Palestinian wanting to convert to Judaism?
This is especially true for those in strong family, honour/shame cultures.
Your decision would be the equivalent of turning from love to hate.
If I were raised in such a family setting, would I still decide to follow Jesus?
Jesus is NOT saying that we should hate anyone; He calls us to love.
The the decision to follow the way of love can alienate loved ones.
Neither is Jesus saying that people who cannot do this easily can’t follow Him.
His wording does not seem helpful to me here, but I think it is a cultural thing.
We need to hear His heart, as seen by His whole life, and His concern for people.
I sense Jesus challenging fickle opportunists, not sincere hope-seekers.
He is challenging the over-confident to appreciate how hard the way of love is.
He is telling those who are hoping for glory that His way doesn’t work like that.
His way is the way of the cross, of suffering and dying for the sake of others.
If I am looking for an easy way of life, following Jesus is not it.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, living Your way can make others confused or angry. Your way of love is hard, but it is still better than any other way. Help me to pursue love, even if it leads others to accuse me of not being loving.
The gospel in one word is love. Love your neighbour as yourself. Wow! Yet, that is what Christ asks us to do, to be His instrument of love. Doing it His Way and not my own. Have Thine own way Lord for He is in charge. Following the Rabbi, being a discipe ofJesus means to become more like Him, putting others first but above all, putting Christ first in my life to become more like Him.