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The True Cost of Discipleship
“Because Christ also suffered for us… that you should follow His steps.” (1 Peter 2:21)
As a rabbi, Jesus taught his students how to be proper disciples. But He also endeavored to teach everyone He met what true discipleship entails. Luke 14 records one of these teachings.
Verse 25 says a great crowd, seeking to be disciples, followed Him after He finished preaching in a synagogue. Jesus turned to them and explained that if they wanted to be His disciples, they must do something very unusual.
“26 If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:26, 33)
This passage is challenging to understand, much less obey, so it is often taken out of context. Much like poking your eye out or cutting off your hand or foot because you sinned (Mark 9:43–48), these types of statements are hyperbole — exaggerated illustrations to help make a point. In Luke 14, Jesus is again using hyperbole.
As a loving God, He would never want us to hate our families. After all, each member is a gift from the Lord and a great blessing to us. So, what does Jesus mean in Luke 14:26?
