1 Kings 19:20

" He left the oxen ." No service without sacrifice. Sometimes it is only ships and nets ( Mark 1:20 ), sometimes it is houses and lands, father and mother, wife and child ( Matthew 19:29 ).

" Go back again ." Why should he not kiss his father and mother? "For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother," and it is not for the greatest of the prophets to make the commandment of God of none effect ( Matthew 15:4-6 ). Religion developes and intensifies the domestic affections. Ties of flesh become stronger and closer when cemented and consecrated by grace. It would be strange if the religion of love made husband or wife, parent or child, love each other less.