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.
The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today’s devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don’t have to walk through it alone.
🙏 Pastoral Care & Prayer Teams
Our trained prayer partners and pastoral care team are available to pray with you and offer Biblical support.
https://ltw.org/care
💬 Receive personal answers to your faith questions—anytime, day or night—at:
https://myfaithassistant.com
If you’ve been blessed by this podcast, please consider a tax-deductible donation to help extend this ministry—so another person can be encouraged, prayed for, and pointed to Christ.
❤️ Support Leading The Way:
https://www.ltw.org/donate