Jesus calls His followers to a love and loyalty so complete that every other relationship is secondary by comparison. Dr. Michael Youssef explains what it means to carry your cross, die to self, and live under the Lordship of Christ.
Jesus’ words in Luke 14 can sound shocking: “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.” In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains that Jesus is not commanding hatred, but establishing the proper order of our loves.
Our devotion to Christ must be so great that every other relationship is held with an open hand. Family, friends, and even our own desires matter deeply—but none can take the place that belongs to Jesus alone. He is not looking for half-hearted discipleship or convenient faith. He calls us to recognize Him as sovereign Lord, Master, and King.
Dr. Youssef also unpacks Jesus’ command to carry our cross and follow Him. The cross is more than a difficult circumstance; it is a picture of dying to self. Discipleship means surrendering our demand for control, laying down our own agenda, and bringing every part of life into conformity with Christ.
And paradoxically, loving Jesus above all else enables us to love others more deeply. As we sit at His feet, study His Word, renew our minds, and grow in grace, He reshapes our hearts so that our love for family, neighbors, and even enemies begins to reflect His own.
Let us pray.
Jesus, help me to more fully understand Your calling on my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.