Jesus had twelve chosen disciples, and many others followed Him as He taught and healed people. He taught the truths of God and healed individuals. Jesus”™ ministry attracted large crowds wherever He went.

One day, as large crowds followed Him, He turned to them and told them the condition and the cost of what really being His follower meant.

(NASB) Luke 14:26 “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.”

Hate, did Jesus use the word hate? Yes, He did. It is believed by some commentators that Jesus was using a hyperbole (an exaggeration or extravagant speech). He certainly got my attention, how about you?

Jesus gave a condition for those who really want to follow Him”¦they must love Him more than anyone else in their lives. He must be put first, He must be placed above all others, even close and beloved family members.

What is interesting about putting love for God above all others? When God is placed first in our affections, our love for others is not diminished, rather it is increased!!! We have greater love and concern for those in our family and for those we love as friends and neighbors.

That condition which Jesus stated also included our own lives. To be a disciple of Jesus, we must put Him above ourselves.

Jesus also stated a cost which is involved in following Him:

(NASB) Luke 14:27 “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”

What? Isn”™t following Jesus supposed to be freeing? Yes, it is. However, a cost is involved”¦the cost of sacrificing whatever involves the “˜me”™.

(NASB) Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

It is Jesus Who gave up His life for you and me.

There is a condition in following Christ: loving Him above all others.

There is a cost in following Christ: being crucified with Christ is our personal cross to carry.

There is a commitment in following Christ: and that involves His condition and a cost to us.