THE FAMILY AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD: UNDERSTANDING THE DYNAMICS OF LUKE 14:25-33 FOR THE CHURCH IN AFRICA

Abstract

The family is regarded as the smallest unit of the society, and in it one finds the essential values that promote personal and social living. It is the most fundamental institution for the growth of every human person. It becomes very surprising when the text of Luke (14:25-33) appears to encourage hatred for one’s family. Why does Jesus encourage his followers to hate their families? What does this text really mean? What are its implications for the Church and Christianity in the African context? The text addresses the basic question of the cost of discipleship and what it really means to become a follower of Jesus and a candidate for the kingdom which he inaugurates. The text poses great challenges to the average African who is very much attached to family values.1 Most Africans would definitely choose the family in a situation of conflict between opting for the family and the Christian demands.