Did Jesus Mean What He Said In Luke 14:26?
Posted: Tuesday, November 25, 2008
by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html
"If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:26)
One questioner asked us why Jesus would make such a statement. Of course, the statement is accurate and meaningful. But...keep in mind that the word "hate" as used here and many other times throughout the old and new testaments comes from "htton" transliterated "hetton" in the Greek language and is used as a comparative term. It does not mean hate as we normally use the word today. It simply means that one loves someone less. Following are several such examples.
Also in the Old Testament, Genesis 29:30-31 "And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years. And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren." Notice that verse 30 expresses it as loving Rachel more than Leah, or conversely, he loved Leah less than Rachel. Yet the writer, in verse 31, used the word "hated" in his remarks, indicating the same relationship as expressed in verse 30.
There are other references such as Matthew 6:24 and Romans 9:13 which speak of different things but still use the word "hate" while meaning "love less". There is no room for doubt that this is the meaning of the terminology used here. However, there still leaves a feeling of uncertainty as to the meaning of the scripture in question. Only a few years back, I had a lengthy discussion with a brother (sibling) who was deeply bothered by this verse. I finally convinced him of the true meaning and import of this statement, for which I am eternally grateful. He passed away about a year and a half ago.
His fear was, that try as he might, he could not convince himself that he loved Jesus or God more than he did his wife and two lovely daughters. And I can completely understand his concern. I am in the same situation except we have three daughters. I would give my life in exchange for either of the four. But I'm extremely happy to be able to explain this as it is intended for us. I have addressed it before in another article but we'll look at it again. We love other humans in an altogether different manner than we love God, or Jesus. We love the physical attributes of people (I'm not referring to sexual attractions). It is natural that we love our children, it is natural that we love our parents, wives (husbands), simply because they are who they are. It is an emotional attraction, somewhat difficult to explain but nevertheless, it is almost entirely inbred. We love our children, when we would perhaps despise another person's child whose mannerisms were very similar.
Our love toward God is an entirely different feeling and is comprised of awe and respect. If you can conceive of an omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, being who was able to speak only and create this massive universe from nothing, and not feel an awesome respect for such a being, then there has to be something amiss. There is nothing to be known, that He does not already know. He has the power and the perfect right to do to us and with us, what ever He pleases. So we should be eternally grateful that He is a totally honest God, a totally fair God, and has the strongest of desires that every human would repent of their sins and obey His instructions to become a "child" of His. Then be able to dwell eternally in His presence in complete bliss.
So, you see our emotional love for our families, friends and brothers and sisters in Christ is neither threatened or compromised by the verse of our subject. The only thing that this verse emphasizes and is intended to do, is to show that you must have that awesome respect for the Godhead, that nothing can sway. If your family, or friends, or anyone, tries to persuade you to turn away from His word, His commandments, His worship, or anything else concerning your serving Him properly, then He must come first. One may think that is a small thing. But be sure, there are those who have had to reject their families and friends, in order to properly follow in Jesus steps. There have been many who have had to give their lives in order not to reject Him.
So, even though misunderstood by many, Luke 14:26 does indeed carry an ominous meaning. May we all live and seek to know the mysteries of His word.
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Top-level comments on this article: (8 total)Joel, thanks for another excellent explanation of another commonly misunderstood Bible passage.Thanks Terry for your kind remarks. Yes, this one does confuse many people and I have to admit that many years ago, I wrestled with it. My brother, just older than me, really had a difficult time with it but I finally satisfied him and, bless his heart, he remained faithful until death. If I never accomplish anyhing more, I'll always be thankful for that.
Yes the simple message of the Commandments, love the Lord, etc. first. Good job.Thanks Robert, I appreciate your comments very much.
Joel, I agree with Terry and Robert. I think it is good to be able to explain the scriptures with ominous meanings to those who ask, especially nonbelievers who are seeking. I am comfortable not being able to explain them, also. Take this verse as an example. God is love. Using Robert's analogy, too. . . one would know that God is not telling us we must hate our families and ourselves. It is simply not who He is. We are blessed to have you to share your gift of knowledge with us. I like knowing even if uncomfortable with not knowing. I hope you understand what I mean. May God continue to bless you as you bring forth our understanding. -AvisThank you so much Avis. Although I have put much study into the Bible and related works, I am swift to caution all who read my writings, not to assume that they are accurate or true just on the face of it. I would never intentionally mislead anyone on any biblical subject. But on the other hand, if I dogmatically express that I am right and some one accepts that, I will be held accountable for it if I'm wrong. So my advice to all is study and pray for understanding. Our hearts will determine our ultimate destiny if we earnestly seek Him.You're welcome, Joel. I completely understand and concur.
Dear Joel, I appreciate your faithful commentaries.Thank you Jane, I appreciate your comment.
Hi Joel--you got this all wrong---ha! :--) Very well laid out, I was just teaching someone on this last week. It makes sense when we use the whole of Scripture. Thank you for your faithfulness, it is an encouragement. We can never get enough of the word. We need a constant filling of the Holy Spirit because we leak :-)God bless you! TeresaHi Teresa, and thanks for the comment. You are so right.
I think what this first passage means is because it was directed toward his disciples who were to leave their families ( and not have families for themselves) and go out into the world and spread the Gospel.Had they loved their families more than God, or even themselves, then they would not be able to complete these weighty tasks. This includes the ultimated self denial of sacrifice.JenniferYou may be right Jennifer, but still the same applies to any of us. If it takes forsaking our family to serve Him, we are still obligated to do that. Which isn't as bad as it sounds. If any of my family tried to get me to forsake him, there would be no contest as far as I would be concerned.
Joel,I think it is good that you are addressing these things to clarify the Truth, rather than doubt. To write articles that cast doubt - intentionally written to cast doubt - is wrong, as I have seen many of them as of late. Now that I am a Christian, I understand how important this is. Romans 14:1-2' Romans 14: 21 -23; Matthew 18:6-7Thank you,JenniferThanks for commenting Jennifer. I am a firm believer that study is essential for a Christian. No one is going to spend eternity in heaven with God by accident. I believe that Paul knew what he was saying in Philippians 2:12"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."True, true..I can tell when I am not reflecting on God's teaching. I become more angry and confused. But when I return, the Truth just hits me in the gut. :)Jennifer
This is a good explanation and another reason why using more than one translation really helps when studying scripture.Thank you David, for reading and commenting. I agree with you.
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