"Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “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. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."

Luke 14:25-27

Having set his face toward Jerusalem, Jesus is walking toward the cross. His choosing to walk the way of the cross is uncompromising. He will not—cannot—allow anything or anyone to stand in his way. Then, turning to those who would walk this road with him, Jesus challenges them to reflect upon the cost of doing so. First, we should put the kingdom before family. The word, 'hate' is not literal, but it’s a powerful way of stating that no other concerns can be allowed to register. Even the legitimate demands of family cannot stop us from pursuing the kingdom. We have to make the kingdom the first and only priority. Without that clarity, his disciples cannot truly follow him. Jesus is clearly emphasizing that this road is one that would be hard and likely to entail suffering. If they’re not willing to embrace suffering, they should not follow after him as disciples.

What this amounts to, Jesus tells them, is counting the cost. If you can’t complete a tower, don’t start; if you can’t resist an aggressor, sue for the best peace terms you can get. To paraphrase what Jesus says in verse 33, if they cannot wave goodbye to everything they have, they cannot be his disciples.

CLOSING PRAYER

Forgive me, Jesus, for those times when I am distracted, or even falter, as I follow you. Give me strength and perseverance to walk with you closely so that others might see you in me.

(Edited from Encounter with God)