1) Some of Jesus’ sayings were hard because they were hard to understand. Some were hard because they were hard to obey. And some were both. What did Jesus mean in verse 26 when He said one must ‘hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters’?
Verse 26 is set in the context of Jesus and a large crowd of followers, making the statement of Jesus even more dramatic. As always, being full of grace and truth, Jesus did not allow the circumstances to dictate His choice of words. He always knew and spoke the truth. Did it stun the crowd? Maybe they remembered He had spoken about this previously. On one occasion, Peter wondered if it was a message for everyone present. In His answer to Peter, Jesus quoted from the book of Micah, pronouncing division, not peace. (Luke 12:49-53) In the chapter before our focal passage, we find Jesus making His way to Jerusalem teaching this same message and prompting questions from the people: “So, will only a few be saved?” (Luke 13:22-23) Jesus never minced words, though He did often speak in parables. The crowd probably grasped these words much more than we do when we take this verse out of the context of Jesus’ life and ministry. They may not have completely comprehended all He meant, but they understood this was a radical call to commitment that superseded the bonds of their family relationships. Many recognized from their Hebrew Scripture the contrast between “love” and “hate” was sometimes used to communicate preference. (Genesis 29:31, Deuteronomy 21:15-17, Malachi 1:2-3)  This was not a command to an emotion of hate toward family or self. This was a call to self-denial and complete surrender, choosing Jesus above all others. The cost for them to continue to follow Jesus would be deep and wide.

2) Did Jesus make this statement intentionally to whittle down the size of the crowd? (Notice the connection the author, Luke, makes in verses 25-26)
Luke makes special note of the fact there was a multitude present. In chapter 12, he also made mention of the large crowd (Luke 12:1). Although Jesus and His disciples spent time away from the masses, when people heard He was near they usually gathered in droves. We read in the four Gospels of Jesus speaking directly to His disciples, yet much of the larger crowd was often in earshot of His teaching. The enormous crowds following Jesus frequently did so for His miracles. They saw Him heal diseases and provide for needs. Jesus used these opportunities to explain to them the necessity of sacrifice. He did not shy away from the hard truths. In fact, He made difficult and exclusionary statements, knowing the future grim consequences. Although He was popular, for the most part the crowds did not desire to obey Him, nor were they willing to surrender their lives. (John 6) They loved to marvel at the miraculous. (John 4:48) They found Jesus to be fascinating in numerous ways, but He knew their hearts were far from God. He declared His intentions to the people who were listening, and He also exposed theirs. (Luke 11:27-30) Even though He knew their ultimate rejection would bring about His death, He wept for them. (Luke 19:41-42)

3) How do the two illustrations Jesus used make His point to the crowd?
As in His previous teachings, Jesus is warning the eager multitudes that following Him is far more serious than they imagined. Contained in these illustrations are significant lessons concerning the calling of those who would choose to continue to follow Him. In His invitation (“If anyone comes to Me…”) Jesus speaks of the importance to commit fully and not shrink back, even if it leads to death (“even his own life” verse 26). It’s unclear if Jesus has specific instances in mind with these illustrations. Did He look around and observe an unfinished building? Possibly. And regarding a king going to war, was Jesus drawing from the history of the day? A few Bible scholars indicate He was likely alluding to the troubled relationship between Herod Antipas and his father-in-law. But even if this was not a specific reference, the crowd would understand the processes of kings and kingdoms. The point of Jesus’ analogy was clear. He was painting a vivid picture of what it meant to “calculate the cost”. The wise builder and the strategic warrior both take time to consider the consequences of their undertaking. Likewise, the resolve to proceed with Christ would be proven genuine and worthwhile only as there was deliberate fortitude to persevere, not simply a desire to witness miracles or be healed.

4) How does the flavor of salt (verse 34) relate to the previous verses and the overall message Jesus wanted the audience to hear?
Three Gospels record Jesus referencing “salt”. (Matthew 5:13, Mark 9:50 and here in Luke 14) All these verses are similar, but each statement was spoken in a different context. From this passage, how do we understand what Jesus was saying to those listening? We can derive intent from reading and receiving Jesus’ words relative to the rest of His message. The crowd was familiar with the uses of salt. It was a common additive that served two purposes in this area of the world at that time: 1) Due to the lack of refrigeration, salt was utilized to preserve the food, specifically the meat. 2) Like today, it enhanced the flavor of food. Here in verse 34, Jesus draws from this cultural understanding to illustrate a follower’s calling to be useful for God’s purposes – in life or death. Just as salt is useless if it has no flavor or preserving element, it would be of no value for anyone to continue to be His disciple if they were half-hearted in their commitment to obedience and full surrender.