Discipleship at the Expense of Everything Else

Reflections on Luke 14:25–33
By Fr Martin [Associate Priest]

A Personal Introduction

Today is my wedding anniversary—a day filled with love and gratitude. So, you can imagine my surprise when I opened our Gospel reading and found Jesus saying:

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children…”

Just a couple of weeks ago, I was preaching on Jesus wanting to set fire to the world. And now this? Hate my family? What is going on?

Facing the Hard Words of Jesus

Let’s be honest—this is a difficult passage. It’s tempting to skip over it and focus on the “nicer” parts of Scripture. But as Christians, we believe the Bible is God’s authoritative word, meant to shape us—even when it challenges us.

So what is Jesus really saying here?

What Does It Mean to Be a Disciple?

The word hate in verse 26 is shocking. Isn’t Jesus the Prince of Peace? The one who tells us to love our enemies?

Yes—and Scripture also commands us to love our spouses, children, and parents. But in the Jewish context, “hate” often meant “to love less.” Jesus is using strong language to make a point:
He must come first.

This isn’t about literal hatred. It’s about radical prioritisation. Jesus is saying:

“If you want to follow me, I must have all of you.”

Discipleship means shaping our lives—our decisions, relationships, finances—around Jesus. It’s not just about conversion; it’s about walking together in faith.

Journeying Together

In verse 25, we read:

“Large crowds were travelling with Jesus.”

They weren’t just listening—they were journeying. And that’s key: we don’t follow Jesus alone.

Faith is personal, yes. But it’s also communal. Some of the most meaningful Sundays are when people ask questions, wrestle with the sermon, and seek deeper understanding. That’s discipleship in action.

Jesus challenges the crowd to count the cost of following Him. He uses examples—a builder estimating costs, a king assessing his army—to warn against impulsive decisions. Following Him requires thought, commitment, and sacrifice.

What Does This Look Like at St Anne’s?

At St Anne’s, discipleship begins with baptism. It’s the moment we’re welcomed into God’s family. Whether we speak the promises ourselves or through parents and godparents, it’s the start of a lifelong journey.

We grow together—through weekly worship, prayer, fellowship, communion, and studying God’s word. And we carry that rhythm into our week:

• Daily prayer
• Bible reading
• Living out our faith in everyday life

Keep your Bible with you. Keep it in your bag, your car—wherever you’ll read it. Let it guide you.

From Sparks to Fire

Baptism is the spark. But we’re not just after sparks—we’re after fire. A fire that grows through habits, not hype. Through rhythms of grace, not quick fixes.

Discipleship is slow, often unseen, and rarely flashy. But it’s how the Spirit shapes us. It’s how we grow into Christ.

So, let’s commit to the long game. Let’s build resilience. Let’s read the whole Bible, even the hard parts. Let’s journey together.

Final Thought

Jesus wants you—not just for a moment, but for a lifetime.

It has to be Jesus all the way.
This is discipleship at the expense of everything else—so that we can experience the joy of a lifelong journey with Him.

Amen.