Note 5 at Mt. 10:37: There is a parallel passage of scripture in Luke 14:26, which, if taken by itself, might leave the impression that we are supposed to hate our father and mother, wife and children, and even ourselves. However, Matthew makes it very clear in this verse by the use of the words "more than" that this is not what Jesus meant. We are commanded to walk in love, especially to the members of our own family (Eph. 5:25-33; Ti. 2:4). Jesus is simply stating that we should prefer Him above any other relationship.