A Surpassing Love – Greg Laurie Devotion – February 4, 2026

Biblical Context

The Gospel of Luke, penned by Luke, a Gentile physician and companion of the Apostle Paul, presents Jesus as the compassionate Savior of all humanity, meticulously documenting His life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Written primarily for a Gentile audience, Theophilus (Luke 1:3), and by extension, all who seek to understand Christ, Luke’s Gospel emphasizes universal salvation, prayer, the Holy Spirit, and the radical demands of discipleship. Chapter 14, from which our core verse is taken, is part of a larger section (chapters 9-19) that focuses on Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem and His teachings on the nature of true discipleship. These teachings often challenged the conventional wisdom and societal norms of the time, calling for a commitment far beyond what was typically expected.

Key Word Study

The pivotal and often startling word in Luke 14:26 is “hate.” In the original Greek, this word is μισέω (miseō). While its primary meaning can indeed be ‘to detest’ or ‘to abhor,’ in the context of Semitic idioms and New Testament usage, it frequently carries a comparative sense. It doesn’t necessarily mean absolute emotional hatred in the Western sense, but rather ‘to love less,’ ‘to place in a subordinate position,’ or ‘to detach from in comparison to a higher love.’ When balanced with other Scripture, like Jesus’ command to love neighbors and enemies, and the instruction to honor parents, it becomes clear that Jesus is not advocating for a malicious emotional hatred. Instead, He is demanding a radical reordering of affections, where love for God is so supremely elevated that all other loves, no matter how profound, appear diminished—almost like hatred—in comparison.

The Radical Call of Discipleship

Many people today find themselves at a crossroads when considering a full commitment to Jesus Christ. The initial allure of faith is often overshadowed by a very real and understandable fear: the fear of what others will think. This apprehension isn’t trivial; it’s a deep-seated human concern about belonging, acceptance, and social standing. The source material poignantly highlights this struggle, noting that individuals choose not to commit their lives to Christ because they’re worried about the opinion of someone else. Perhaps it’s a romantic partner—a boyfriend or girlfriend, or even a husband or a wife. Maybe it’s a close buddy or the collective influence of a group of friends they hang around with. For others, it might be the deeply ingrained expectations and potential disapproval of their parents.

These individuals recognize, with a sobering clarity, that if they were to fully give their lives to Christ, the consequences could be significant. It might mean the loss of a bunch of so-called friends who don’t understand or support their new path. It could signify the end of a cherished romantic relationship that can’t accommodate a new spiritual direction. Or, it could cause considerable friction in their home, disrupting established family dynamics and potentially leading to conflict or alienation. These potential consequences loom large, and tragically, many allow them to hold them back from embracing the transformative power of a life fully devoted to Christ.

Reconciling ‘Hate’ with Love

It is in this context of hesitations and human fears that Jesus delivers His stark declaration in Luke 14:26 nlt: “If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.” This statement is, without doubt, shocking. The inclusion of the word ‘hate’ immediately triggers discomfort, especially when we consider other foundational tenets of Christian teaching. How can Jesus, who embodies love, command such a thing?

As the source material rightly emphasizes, we must balance this statement with other passages of Scripture. Jesus clearly wasn’t advocating for literal, malicious hatred. The Bible, in its entirety, certainly doesn’t teach people to hate others. The inherent contradiction is evident: why would Jesus tell us to honor our father and mother—a direct commandment from the Ten Commandments—and then also demand that we hate them? Furthermore, why would the Apostle Paul instruct husbands to “love [their] wives, just as Christ loved the church” (Ephesians 5:25 nlt) if hatred towards one’s spouse were a prerequisite for discipleship?

In its proper context, Jesus was not saying that His followers should harbor ill-will or animosity towards people. Rather, He was delivering a profound truth about supreme allegiance. Essentially, He was saying that our love for God must be so immeasurably greater than our love for anyone or anything else—our dearest family members, our closest friends, even our own self-preservation—that, by comparison, our love for those people or things would seem like hatred. This is the comparative sense of ‘miseō’ we explored earlier; it’s about the magnitude of devotion, not the presence of malice.

Priorities: Spoken vs. Lived

Jesus, in this challenging pronouncement, was fundamentally talking about priorities. When people are asked to articulate the top priorities in their lives, the responses are often heartwarming and inspiring. You’ll likely hear a list that includes noble aspirations such as a deep relationship with Christ, cherished family bonds, meaningful nonprofit volunteer work, personal well-being, and a fulfilling career. These are the ideals, the values we aspire to uphold.

However, the source material brilliantly observes a crucial distinction: real priorities aren’t merely spoken or listed; they are undeniably lived. The true indicators of what you genuinely prioritize are revealed by how you allocate your most precious resources: your time, your focus, and your interest. Whether it’s hours spent engrossed in video games, endlessly scrolling through social media feeds, binge-watching streaming services, dedicating disproportionate attention to significant others, succumbing to habits or addictions, or investing heavily in other pursuits—these are your actual top priorities. This remains true whether you care to admit it or not, for our actions invariably betray our deepest allegiances.

Jesus in the Top Spot

In Luke 14:26, Jesus isn’t merely asking for a spot on your priority list; He is demanding the absolute, unquestionable pinnacle. He is saying, “If you claim to follow Me, I should be in that top spot. What’s more, I should be so far ahead of number two on your priority list that there’s no comparison.” This isn’t about diminishing the value of family or self, but about elevating Jesus to His rightful, supreme position. It’s a call to an exclusive loyalty that redefines all other relationships and pursuits.

This makes perfect sense when you truly ponder its implications. If your desire is to live your Christian life to its fullest, to experience the abundance and purpose Christ offers, then the path is clear: you must love Jesus more than anything else. This surpassing love for Him empowers you to navigate the fears of human opinion, to make difficult choices, and to live a life unburdened by the need for external validation. The reflection question posed by Greg Laurie challenges us directly: Do you love Him that way? Are your lived priorities aligning with your declared faith? How can you make sure that Jesus truly is your top priority? This isn’t a call to neglect earthly responsibilities, but to perform them all from a foundation where Christ reigns supreme, transforming every aspect of our existence with His surpassing love.