Luke 14:26?

Luke 14:26 is one of Jesus’ hard teachings. What are we to make of his statement that me must “hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters” to be His disciple? We can’t ignore it; Jesus’ effectively makes it twice, here and in Matthew 10:37 .  What are we to do with it? 

Let’s start by considering what it doesn’t teach; Jesus is not telling His disciples to reject their families. On a broad level, we know that scripture tells us to nurture our family relationships, Exodus 20:12,  Deuteronomy 5:16,  Proverbs 6:20. and that Jesus came to fulfill scripture. Matthew 5:17-18. We also know that Jesus condemned folks who sidestepped their family obligations. Mark 7:8-13. Bringing the matter into finer resolution, the Greek word translated as "hate" does not always mean to detest or loathe, it can also mean a relative preference of one thing over another. The fact that Jesus intended that relative meaning is supported by the way this teaching is phrased in Matthew: “[a]nyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.” 

So, what does this verse teach? 

Context gives us two strong clues. Scripturally, Luke’s gospel places this teaching immediately after a parable stressing the need to prioritize God over of other things, even otherwise legitimate things. Luke 14:15-24. Historically, the people Jesus was addressing placed very great emphasis on family.  Those contexts indicate that Jesus is telling us to put Him above all other things—even things at the core of our lives.  

So what in your life is competing with Jesus? Is it your politics, media consumption, or “tribe”?   Is it your job, career, or finances? Is it an addiction?  Is it something else? Ask Jesus to show you and to show you how to put Him ahead of it. Scripture tells us that He will show you and help you put things right if you bring the matter to Him. Luke 11:9-13, Romans 8:26-27,  Philippians 4:6-7,  Hebrews 4:15-16,  James 1:5, 1 John 1:9.  

Will that be easy? Probably not. I’m struggling with something like that now and I can tell you it’s hard. Will it take time? It probably will; it has for me. Will God help you along the way? Definitely.  So seek His help for you and all others who are struggling with this.  And if you could, please include me in those prayers.

 

Prayer:

Loving God, help each of us to see where we have let other things take priority over you. Help us to put you first, no matter how hard that is. Help all others who are struggling with this. We say this in Jesus’ loving, healing, name.