As Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem to the cross, He was accompanied by crowds of people who thought they were travelling towards the crowning of a king. Jesus wanted to show them that the love they had for Him needed to be greater even than the love they had for their families, and even for themselves. So He told the parable of the man who invited his friends to a party, but each one made an excuse. So he told his servant to go out and fetch the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame. The servant did so and there was still room. The man told his servant to go out of town and invite others until the house was full. Jesus then turned to those who were with Him and, using the vivid language of the Middle East said to them:

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. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26-27

Today you are invited to consider what God is saying to you with these words. Where does He stand in regard to the love you have for Him and for others? How will you respond to this conversation?

May God bless you today as you express your love for Him.