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This part of Luke is no easy read! First, Jesus is speaking in a much harsher tone than we’re used to hearing from him—even using the word ‘hate.’ Then, he describes what following him will entail in terms we might rather expect to be used to discourage people from following him. Finally, he is explicit that we’re to divest ourselves of all possessions to follow him. What’s the point behind all these hard words? Let’s figure that out together.

  • What’s the biggest impact your faith has had on how you conduct your life? At what age did you become aware of this impact? Were you the first to notice this impact in yourself or did somebody notice it in you?
  • Something Jesus doesn’t mention here are the many benefits of following him. Why do you suppose he omits mentioning these? In what ways, if any, does this omission reveal the point Jesus is making?
  • Nothing in the Christian life works apart from the love of neighbor and love is the biggest investment we’ll ever make. Though it’s never mentioned, love is a central theme in this part of Luke. How do you see love—and the investment it requires—working in this text?

Next Step: In what ways are you investing in your faith life? In what ways are you investing in the lives of others? Consider how these two things are connected.

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