Luke 14:25-27
Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters - yes, even his own life - he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."
Reflection
Jesus speaks some hard words in these three short verses. In short, Jesus is saying that he must be the most important thing in our lives. In short, Jesus is saying that knowing him is the only thing that matters. That means that everything in our lives must come after Jesus. That means we have to give up those things that would compete with Jesus for our devotion and commitment. To make Jesus the center of our lives is not easy but that is what Jesus requires of us. Can we do that? We must be willing to give up "whatever" in order to follow Jesus even if it means giving up everything and everyone for his safe.
