25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “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 14:25-26, New International Version)
Theme: Discipleship
Context:
Last week we introduced Rowan Williams’ claim that staying with/abiding in Jesus is a defining identity trait of Jesus’ disciples. The discipline of Bible study equips us to test this potentially transformative claim. Williams’ claim is supported by preconditions of discipleship that Jesus demanded. Jesus demanded total allegiance and commitment from His disciples. In fact, where the commitment and allegiance of His disciples were concerned, Jesus used very stark language. 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.” How could Jesus tell large crowds that “hating” their families and their lives were preconditions of being His disciple?
Jesus was, of course, not suggesting that prospective disciples hate their families and their own lives. Instead, He used two of the highest priorities in life as reference points to communicate the requirement for His disciples to authentically make Him top priority.
Bible Passage:
As you read today’s Scripture passage, imagine yourself observing the large crowds traveling with Jesus and listening intently to Jesus’ proclamation. Consider that some of the people in these crowds would likely have experienced or heard about the miraculous things Jesus had done. Consider the different motivations people may have for following Jesus and consider why Jesus would have elected to express the implications of following him in stark terms.
Questions:
- What Scripture passage(s) would you refer to as proof that Jesus was not requesting that His disciples hate their families?
- Why does Jesus have the authority to demand total commitment from His disciples?
Sharing your thoughts could be a big help to someone else. Please leave a comment on the blog.
February 26, 2024 at 3:59 am
”Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.“
Romans 12:10
Emmanuel, the Messiah, has the authority because He gave his total commitment for our salvation by fulfilling God’s plan. His life on earth, crucifixion, death and resurrection, illustrate and fulfill his full commitment.
February 26, 2024 at 7:18 am
1John 4:20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.
As our Savior and King Jesus’s authority super exceeds any other, especially after His exemplary commitment of dying on the cross to save us. Discipleship demands sacrifice.
February 26, 2024 at 7:34 am
Matthew 15 where Jesus condemns the Pharisees for their hypocrisy in caring for their parents.
Jesus, called for undivided devotion from his disciples, because He had a short period of time to teach them. He knew being their Rabbi on earth, would only extend for a few years.
February 26, 2024 at 7:34 am
1) “Honor thy father and mother…” (Exodus 20:12)
2) Jesus ultimately lays down his life for his disciples (and us), so it is not an outrageous ask for him to demand the same from his disciples.
February 26, 2024 at 8:20 am
Romans 8:32
” He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for all of us – how will he not also, along with him, graciously gives us all things?”
Jesus has all the right to demand from his disciples total commitment since as we all know even God gave up His only son to fulfill his gift of eternal salvation to mankind. To glorify our Creator, a complete change of heart and total submission to Jesus is the best we can do as disciples of God.
February 26, 2024 at 6:33 pm
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8