On this father’s day the sermon title is designed to be provocative. What possible biblical warrant could there be to hate your father and mother? Understood in context, Jesus tells his disciples to have this attitude towards family so He remains their first love, goal and priority for their lives. But there is only one way to follow Jesus and that is to carry your own cross. Today, carrying a cross involves sacrifice, even if that includes family and your own life and anyone who carries a cross knows he is dying in order to do so. What wonderful grace is given to follow, love and serve Jesus.