Why does Jesus say to hate family in Luke 14:26?

The statement made by Jesus in Luke 14:26 is one of the more perplexing and challenging passages in the New Testament. The verse reads, "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." At first glance, this seems to be at odds with Jesus' other teachings about love, family, and relationships. To understand this verse, we need to delve into the context, language, and broader theological implications.

Context of the Passage

To understand Jesus' words in Luke 14:26, it's crucial to consider the broader context in which they were spoken. Jesus is addressing a large crowd, explaining the cost of discipleship. In this section of Luke, Jesus is emphasizing the total commitment required to follow Him. The verses that follow (Luke 14:27-33) include parables about counting the cost of building a tower and a king considering war, both illustrating the necessity of understanding and accepting the demands of discipleship.

Hyperbolic Language

One key to understanding this verse is recognizing the use of hyperbolic language, a common rhetorical device in Jewish teaching. Hyperbole is an intentional exaggeration to make a point. For example, in Matthew 5:29-30, Jesus advises cutting off one's hand or plucking out one's eye if it causes sin—an exaggeration meant to underscore the seriousness of sin, not a literal directive.

In Luke 14:26, the word "hate" (Greek: μισέω, miseo) is used hyperbolically to emphasize the priority of allegiance. Jesus is not advocating for literal hatred of one's family, which would contradict His teachings elsewhere. For instance, Jesus commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31) and even to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44). The use of "hate" here is to highlight the level of commitment and the willingness to place Jesus above all other relationships and attachments.

Comparative Love

Another way to interpret "hate" in this context is through the lens of comparative love. In Matthew 10:37, Jesus provides a parallel teaching: "Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." Here, the emphasis is on the relative degree of love and loyalty. Jesus demands a love and commitment that surpasses all other relationships. The "hate" in Luke 14:26 can be understood as a call to love Jesus so supremely that all other loves are secondary.

The Radical Call to Discipleship

Jesus' statement in Luke 14:26 underscores the radical nature of His call to discipleship. Following Jesus is not a casual or part-time endeavor; it requires a complete reorientation of one's life. This radical commitment is reflected in other teachings of Jesus, such as taking up one's cross daily (Luke 9:23) and losing one's life for His sake (Luke 9:24). The call to "hate" one's family, in this sense, is a call to prioritize Jesus above all else, even the most cherished human relationships.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the first-century Jewish context, family was the central social unit. Loyalty to family was paramount, and one's identity and social standing were closely tied to family connections. Jesus' call to prioritize Him above family would have been shocking and counter-cultural. This radical demand highlights the transformative and often disruptive nature of the Kingdom of God. Following Jesus may require breaking with social norms and familial expectations, as seen in the lives of the early disciples who left their families and occupations to follow Him (Matthew 4:18-22).

Practical Implications for Believers

For contemporary believers, Jesus' words in Luke 14:26 challenge us to examine our priorities and commitments. While we are called to love and honor our families, our ultimate allegiance must be to Jesus. This may involve difficult choices and sacrifices, especially in contexts where following Jesus leads to opposition or estrangement from family.

In practical terms, this radical commitment might mean making career choices, lifestyle decisions, or ethical stands that align with Jesus' teachings, even if they conflict with family expectations or societal norms. It might involve prioritizing time for prayer, worship, and service over other activities. It may also mean being willing to suffer loss or persecution for the sake of Christ.

The Example of Jesus

Jesus Himself exemplified this radical commitment to God's will. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). Jesus' obedience to the Father, even unto death, sets the ultimate example for His followers. His life and ministry demonstrate that true discipleship involves surrendering our own desires, plans, and attachments to follow God's will.

Theological Reflections

From a theological perspective, Jesus' call to "hate" one's family can be seen as part of the larger biblical theme of covenant loyalty. In the Old Testament, God's covenant with Israel required exclusive loyalty, often described in terms of love and hate. For example, in Deuteronomy 6:5, Israel is commanded to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength. This exclusive loyalty to God sometimes required turning away from other allegiances, as seen in the prophets' denunciations of idolatry and syncretism.

In the New Testament, Jesus establishes a new covenant, and His followers are called to a similar exclusive loyalty. This covenant loyalty to Jesus is marked by a willingness to forsake all else for His sake. The radical language of "hate" underscores the totality of this commitment.

Conclusion

In Luke 14:26, Jesus uses strong, hyperbolic language to convey the radical nature of discipleship. His call to "hate" one's family is not a directive to literal animosity but a demand for supreme loyalty and love for Him above all else. This passage challenges believers to examine their priorities and to embrace the cost of following Jesus, even when it involves difficult sacrifices and counter-cultural choices. Ultimately, Jesus' call to radical discipleship is a call to a deeper, transformative relationship with Him, marked by exclusive loyalty and wholehearted devotion.