Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 10:37

"He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." — Matthew 10:37 (ASV)

He that loveth father or mother more than me — These words are important, both in themselves and for explaining the stronger phrase in Luke 14:26-27, which speaks of a man hating father or mother as a condition of discipleship. When two affections come into collision, the weaker must give way. Although a man may not and ought not to cease to love his family, he must act as if he hated them—disobeying and, it may be, deserting those to whom he is bound by natural ties—so that he may obey the higher, supernatural calling.