By James Riley Strange, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of New Testament, Samford University
Hate Your Family
Luke 14:25–35
Today we again address the cost of discipleship (see Luke 5:11, 28; 9:1–6, 23–27, 46–48; 57–62; 10:4) and again we hear Jesus make startling demands in light of familial duties, particularly the commandment to “honor your father and mother” (Ex. 20:12; Deut. 5:16). The theme is present in all of the Gospels, but Luke places added stress on the idea. For example, in Matthew’s parallel passage (Matt. 10:37–39), Jesus says someone ought not to “love father or mother more than me.” In Luke, Jesus uses more distressing language.
Following Jesus requires total devotion. (25–27)
As with last week’s lesson Jesus states this teaching on the way to Jerusalem, a journey that occupies about a third of the Gospel of Luke. The mention of the large crowds “traveling with” Jesus in verse 25 reminds readers that the coming passion colors everything between chapters 9 and 19.
Perhaps it is the looming crucifixion and resurrection that cause Jesus to admonish His followers to “hate” father and mother, spouse and children. This language should be read in light of Luke 12:50–53, where Jesus talks about the way households will divide when some decide to follow Jesus. We know of second-century Roman families that divided over the issue of which deity to follow: Israel’s God or Rome’s many gods.
The key to what Jesus means by “hate” comes at verse 27: it refers to the willingness to give up something precious. The phrase “even one’s own life” must be read in light of the next sentence. It is a call for neither self-hatred nor a desire to die. To “carry a cross” means to bear one’s own means of execution. This image tells readers to be ready to die at the hands of the Roman government for the sake of following Jesus. That is a foreign notion to many of us but in other times and places our brothers and sisters in Christ have risked — and still risk today — government sanction.
Count the cost of following Jesus. (28–33)
In these parables of the builders and the warrior king Jesus addresses the possibility — really the probability — of negative reactions against faithfulness to God. They range from social ostracism to abuse in the courts to forced apostasy and execution. One might accuse Luke of using bad sales tactics if he wants Theophilus and other nonbelievers who are teetering on the edge of conversion to devote themselves completely to Jesus.
What he is after is what Jesus wanted: commitment that took full account of the potential cost of discipleship. Of course Jesus’ own disciples were not fully aware of what they faced, for Judas betrayed Jesus, Peter denied knowing Him and all 12 abandoned Him at the arrest. Eventually all but Judas did indeed take up their crosses to follow Him.
Maintain a devotion to Jesus in spite of difficult or dangerous repercussions. (34–35)
Jesus does not explain this image of tasteless salt, but surely He is talking about people fulfilling their God-given purposes. God calls some to particular vocations (think of Paul). He allows others to choose their paths. To all who through their commitment become Jesus-followers He gives the commission of Micah 6:8: “To do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God.”
For some Christians that commission will bring them face to face with a hostility that will test their resolve. Let us pray for our brothers and sisters so tested and let us renew our devotion to follow Christ no matter the cost.
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