Are You All In? The Cost of Discipleship

In this powerful and provocative sermon, we explore one of the most challenging teachings of Jesus found in Luke’s Gospel—“Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother… cannot be my disciple.” At first glance, these words seem jarring, even contradictory to the compassionate Jesus we know. But what if this isn’t about literal hate, but about radical prioritization? What if Jesus is calling us to love less the things of this world, so we can love more the things that are eternal?

This episode dives deep into the emotional and spiritual tension of true discipleship. It’s not about abandoning love for family or life—it’s about choosing transformation over comfort, purpose over popularity, and the Kingdom of God over the status quo. Drawing from the original Aramaic meaning of “hate,” we unpack how Jesus uses paradox to provoke clarity. This isn’t a rejection of earthly relationships it’s a call to detachment, a spiritual reordering that places divine love above all else.

You will be invited to reflect on the cost of following Jesus. Are we ready to bear the emotional weight of loving others deeply, even when it hurts? Are we willing to face the discomfort of change, the tension within our families, and the resistance of society when we choose justice, compassion, and truth? This sermon challenges us to examine our motives—are we following Jesus for transformation, or for convenience?

Through vivid storytelling and scriptural insight, we journey with Jesus toward Jerusalem, where the real work of the Kingdom begins. We confront the reality that discipleship isn’t about popularity or ease—it’s about carrying the cross of love, even when it leads to heartbreak, sacrifice, and “good trouble,” as John Lewis once said.

Whether you’re a lifelong believer, a spiritual seeker, or someone wrestling with the demands of faith, this episode offers a raw and honest invitation: Are you all in? Are you ready to love less what is temporary so you can love more what is eternal?

🔍 Keywords:discipleship, Gospel of Luke, Jesus sermon, Christian podcast, spiritual transformation, cost of following Jesus, emotional faith, progressive Christianity, inclusive church, Kingdom of God, detachment, Aramaic meaning of hate, love and sacrifice, bearing the cross, John Lewis good trouble, spiritual tension, faith and family, radical love, Christian justice, sermon reflection

🎧 Tune in now to wrestle with the hard words of Jesus—and discover the deeper love they reveal.