Now large crowds were traveling with him, and he turned and said to them,

“Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. ^‍‍

Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:25-27

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In this Sunday’s message, Pastor Amy Perez explores the challenge of answering Jesus’ call. This is not surface-level faith or cultural Christianity, this is the invitation to true discipleship. Jesus is not interested in fans, followers, or feelings. He wants faithful lovers who choose Him above every other relationship, desire, and identity. Following Jesus costs everything but gives us more than we could ever lose. His love demands our full allegiance, not out of force, but out of the joy of finding a greater treasure.

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Heavy Loves

• Choosing Jesus can mean walking away from family and ancestral religion, risking judgment and rejection.
• In Jesus’ culture, family was everything: survival, honor, identity.
• Jesus’ own family initially rejected Him. Mark 3:21, 6:2-4
• Disordered loves happen when we put family, career, or relationships above Christ.
• We often idolize family and relationships, expecting them to meet needs only Christ can fulfill.
• Paul counted all things loss compared to knowing Christ. Philippians 3:5-8

Hidden Ties

• Following Jesus is more than external leaving; it requires internal transformation.
• Family patterns and generational curses influence us deeply.
• Jesus resisted cultural and family pressures, choosing discipleship over fame. John 7:2-5
• Joseph’s story models forgiveness and grace despite family betrayal. Genesis 50:19-21
• Hidden loyalties include shame, anger, secrecy, and unspoken rules.
• Personal transformation requires breaking these cycles to be renewed in Christ. Colossians 3:9-10, Galatians 3:26-28

Heaven’s Family

• Christianity is not just about individual salvation but being part of a new family in Christ.
• Jesus redefines family as those who do God’s will. Mark 3:31-35
• At the cross, Jesus entrusted His mother to John, showing the expansion of family through faith. John 19:26-27
• Believers are fellow citizens and members of God’s household. Ephesians 2:19
• Community requires vulnerability, forgiveness, and cross-bearing.
• True community sharpens, refines, and transforms us into Christ’s image. Ephesians 2:19-22

Discussion Questions

• What heavy loves might you need to surrender to follow Jesus fully?
• What hidden family ties or patterns are shaping you more than you realize?
• How are you participating in the family of God beyond biological ties?
• In what ways does your faith community challenge and support your discipleship?

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