Scripture: Luke 14:15-24

C.I.: In Our Relationship with Jesus

In our series from the Gospel of Luke - we are noting things that require “Total Commitment” (e.g. faith…).
Today we will see this includes – putting Jesus first in all of our relationships!!!

I. Putting Jesus First in All of Our Relationships, (Luke 14:25-26)

A. Quality versus Quantity, (vs. 25)

1. In this series – we see Jesus making a point - of distinguishing the totally committed from the crowd.
a. (Lk. 8:45-46), “Jesus said, ‘Who touched Me?’ … Peter said, ‘Master, the people are crowding
and pressing in on You.’ – But Jesus said, ‘Someone did touch Me, for I was aware that power’”
b. (Lk. 23:35, 43), “The people stood by looking on. – And even the rulers were sneering at Him,
saying, ‘He saved others; let Him save Himself…’ – ‘Today you will be with Me in paradise.”
c. (Lk. 21:13), “He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. – And He saw a
poor widow putting in 2 small copper coins. – And He said, ‘Truly I say to you, this widow…’”
d. In each case – it was only the totally committed – who received the blessing of God!

2. There were many reasons why people followed Jesus – there were also reason why they stopped…
a. Some stopped following because His teachings were difficult…
1) (Jn. 6:60, 66), “Many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, ‘This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?’ – As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore.”
b. Others stopped following Him - because of what Jesus expected them to give up…
1) (Mk. 10:22), “But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was
one who owned much property.”
c. In Reading – Jesus tells of those who valued some things - more than an invitation from the king.
1) (Lk. 14:24), “For I tell you, none of those who were invited shall taste of my dinner.”
d. It is on the heels of this statement – that we enter into today’s message.

3. (v. 25), “Now large crowds were going along with Him; and He turned and said to them…”
a. Once again, all of the elements are present:
1) There is a large crowd of people who are following Him,
2) He once again has the opportunity to point out to them – what the TOTAL COMMITMENT
He desires looks like!
b. For Jesus is not impressed with numbers of followers – He is impressed by their commitment!

B. The Total Commitment Demanded of being in a Right Relationship with Jesus (v. 26)

1. (v. 26), “IF ANYONE COMES TO ME….”
a. Every person who “comes to Jesus” – comes to Him the exact same way …voluntarily.
1) We are not: – forced to Jesus at gunpoint – nor prodded towards Jesus at spear point.
2) So when we “come to Him” we’re saying – “We accept what You require of us!” Mt. 28:19

b. “…AND DOES NOT HATE…”
1) These are “strong words” in the Greek – and many people to stumble over their meaning.
2) True believers know, however, Jesus has called us to – (Lk. 6:27), “…love your enemies.”
3) Is Jesus saying He wants us - to hate those who love us – and love those who hate us?!!
4) No! – Remember how some people left Jesus because they valued other things more dearly?
5) Here Jesus is saying – that by comparison we need to value Him far beyond all relationships!
6) So if you are stumbling over the word “hate” – then insert the words, “Loves far less…”

c. “…HIS OWN FATHER AND MOTHER…”
1) One of the dearest relationships – is that of a child towards its parents.
2) God even tells us, (Eph. 6:2), “Honor your father and your mother”
3) Yet the love and honor we have for Jesus – must far exceed this relationship!!!
4) (Lk. 2:48-49), “Son, why have You treated us this way? – Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.’ – And He said to them, ‘Did you not know that I HAD TO BE IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE?!’” – At an early age He made the decision to put God first!
5) Indeed, the Lord’s work and His timing – came before His own mother - (Jn. 2:4), “Woman, what have I to do with you? My hour has not yet come.”
6) But when His our had come – He showed His love for His mother – by seeing that her needs would be met – (Jn. 19:26-27), “When Jesus saw His mother & the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, - He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’ – Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother.’ – And from that hour the disciple took her into his own house

d. “…AND WIFE AND CHILDREN…”
1) The relationship of a man & wife is the closest of all – it supplants all others (Gen. 2:24)!
2) Clearly, the sacrifices demanded of us in this relationship are great – (Eph. 5:25)!
3) How much more then are we to sacrifice ourselves – in our relationship w/Jesus?!!!
4) When Abraham was going to sacrifice his son, Isaac, to God – He said, “Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you are a fearer of God, - since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me,’” (Gen. 22:12).
5) Let us not believe that God is serious – about the TOTAL COMMITMENT He demands!!!

e. “…AND BROTHERS AND SISTERS…”
1) While some might find this easier than others – clearly we are called to love each other.
2) (Jn. 13:34-35), “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another….”

f. “…YES, AND EVEN HIS OWN LIFE…”
1) Taking our life physically is suicide and is wrong. – But holding onto our own lives
physically instead of being T.C. to Jesus – is spiritual suicide (big wrong!).
2) (Mk. 8:35-36), “Whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for
My sake & the gospel’s shall save it. – For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world
and forfeit his soul?”
3) Some people mistakenly believe – Xnity is about having a life where everything works and
makes sense. – But instead it is about having someone we can turn to when it doesn’t!!!

g. “…CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE!”
1) Jesus didn’t say it would be difficult or hard! – He said we CANNOT be His disciple!
2) Thus, when we teach others about Jesus – we need to let them know He must come 1st.
3) (Quote Matt. 28:19-20)!