Luke 14:25 Now large crowds were accompanying Jesus, so He turned to them with this challenge.
The word choice in this text from Luke 14 is key. These people were “traveling with Him” or “accompanying Him.” They were in a perpetual “dating” relationship with the Messiah, with no plan for marriage. Jesus turned to them and said, “Play time is over. It is time for a deep commitment!” To help them comprehend the seriousness of His call He gave them three challenges:
(vs 26) “No one can be my disciple who does not hate his family and his life.”
(vs 27) “If you don’t carry your own cross and follow Me, you cannot be My disciple.”
(vs 33) “If you cannot renounce everything you possess, you cannot be My disciple.”
These statements cut past all superficial objections and bring each person to the point of decision. Christianity, according to Jesus, requires complete surrender. If my family impedes my willingness to stand for Christ, my life will taste like the world rather than Christ. If I am unwilling to lay down my life for Him, to suffer for others, or to be unjustly persecuted, my life lacks the intense flavor of the suffering Son of God. If the fear of losing any of my possessions or worldly comforts keeps me from following, then I will taste like anyone else preserving his or her comfortable life.
With these provocative statements, Jesus purposely created discomfort that demanded one of two responses. This is the same challenge that the resurrected Messiah gave the Laodicean church in Revelation: do not be lukewarm! Be hot or cold so the world will know clearly where you stand and with Whom you stand. It is time for true commitment.