Marie’s daily verse: 1 John 4:4: 

Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.

DAILY DEVOTION, July 2, 2024

If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple (Luke 14:26).

This is a challenging statement if we interpret it too literally. I believe Jesus is using the word “hate” in a figurative sense. We are instructed elsewhere in Scripture to love our parents, spouses, children, and even ourselves. What is He conveying in this verse? He is speaking of discipleship. Those who believe in Jesus as their Savior also desire to follow Him as devoted disciples. It becomes evident that He is telling us that our love for family cannot surpass our love for Him, the Son of God who sacrificed Himself for us.

Indeed, we cherish our families and are thankful for the precious gift of life. Yet, our initial and most profound love must be for Jesus if we aspire to be His disciples. Our love for our own lives is a testament to God’s grace. But our love for Jesus surpasses even our love for ourselves.

The verse raises a profound question. In the depths of my heart, do I genuinely love Jesus more than my family, more than myself? If the answer is “No,” I acknowledge that I am not a true disciple. Do I genuinely believe Jesus to be the Son of the living God? Do I truly believe He suffered and died for me? If I believe, will He not be my first and greatest love?

Father, Jesus’ words cause me to think deeply about my life. Do I love Him more than anyone or anything? Help me to remember who He is and what He has done for me. As I reflect on such truths, my love for Him grows. May He indeed be my first love. Amen.