Luke 14:26

If any man come. Jesus now sets forth the four following principles: (1) that discipleship involves cross bearing, verses 26, 27; (2) that the cost of discipleship should be carefully counted, verses 28-32; (3) that all personal ambitions and worldly possessions must be laid on the altar of sacrifice, verse 33; (4) that the spirit of sacrifice must be maintained permanently, verses 34, 35.

Hate not his father. Scripture usage makes it clear that this is not “hate” in the usual sense of the word. In the Bible, “to hate,” often should be understood simply as a typical Oriental hyperbole meaning “to love less” (see Deuteronomy 21:15-17). This fact stands forth clearly in the parallel passage where Jesus says, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37). This striking hyperbole is apparently used to make vivid to the follower of Christ the fact that at all times he must make first in his life the kingdom of heaven. Again, in regard to material possessions, the governing principle is a matter of what we make first in life (see on Matthew 6:19-34).

Cannot be my disciple. Not “will not,” but “cannot.” Whoever has personal interests that take precedence over loyalty to Christ and devotion to His service will find it impossible to meet the requirements Christ makes of him. At all times and under all circumstances the call of the kingdom must take precedence. The service of Jesus calls for the entire and permanent renunciation of self. For comment on verses 26, 27 see on Matthew 10:37, 38.

Bear his cross. Rather, “bear his own cross” (see on Matthew 10:38, 39). Execution by crucifixion was probably introduced into Palestine by Antiochus Epiphanes (Josephus Antiquities xii. 5. 4 [256]).