The Cost of Being Jesus’ Follower^(A)

²⁵ Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and he turned and said to them, ²⁶ “If anyone comes to me but ·does not hate [or loves more than me; ^CJesus is using hyperbole to emphasize his point] his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters—or even ·life [life itself; or his own life]—he cannot be my ·follower [disciple]. ²⁷ Whoever ·is not willing to [^Ldoes not] carry his own cross and follow me cannot be my ·follower [disciple].