Bulletin Articles
Leaving All to Follow Christ
Luke 14:25-26 -Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 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.
One of the strongest set of verses in the bible is Luke 14:25-26. If these two verses do not get your attention, I am not sure what will. Matthew 10:37 is very close as well.
Matthew 10:37 - He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
Jesus is using strong language simply to make a point. Does it get your attention? It sure gets mine. Jesus is not calling his followers to hate families in terms of emotional response. What he is saying I am asking for 100% loyalty to him. Yes, even above family!
Matthew 19:19 - ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Jesus uses a sacred bond like no other. Father, Mother, Child. How much parents love their Children and children love their parents. We have all seen hearts that are broke when this bond is broke. Especially by death! Jesus says this bond while so important regardless how good and strong it is, still is 2nd to the love respect and honor we are to have for our Savior king Jesus. It helps to truly understand this two-way relationship with Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:3 - For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.
Christ was willing to give his life for a sinner like me! Need I say more?
2 Corinthians 12:8-9 -Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Grace is described as undeserved favor. Grace cannot be earned, it is something that is given by God. The best answer we could have is if the whole family understands that God comes first! Unfortunately, that just not always the case. If so, we don’t stop loving our family. Not at all! If fact we will have a life commitment of love to teach them and be an examples to them. Just one major difference. Jesus will always come first in our life. It’s not an option it’s a commandment!
