Here is another passage that plays on the idea of hating one’s family to follow Jesus. This passage expounds on that by also saying not only do you have to hate your family but also your life and that, basically, Jesus did not come for peace but for a sword, which is a weapon of personal destruction. This all seems contrary to everything else we know about Jesus. In another scripture, Jesus told everyone, “Blessed are the peace makers.” Does this not include himself? It is passages like this one that, when woefully misunderstood, lead to so much harm in our family systems, in our communities, and in the spiritual life of our children. Remember, though, we were told to protect them at all costs.

Photo by Tor-Sven Berge