Here's an article on the "Islam Q&A" website, about why Muslims must love the Prophet more than themselves and family etc...
http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/14250/love%20prophetIt relates this hadith which just shows the stupidity of the command to love Muhammad. Umar declares that he loves the prophet more than anything apart from himself. Muhammad reprimands him that he must love him MORE than he loves himself. So Umar replies that he does. Wow! Amazing turnaround in a matter of a split second.
It was narrated that ?Abd-Allaah ibn Hishaam said: We were with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) when he was holding the hand of ?Umar ibn al-Khattaab. ?Umar said to him: ?O Messenger of Allaah, you are dearer to me than everything except my own self.? The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ?No, by the One in Whose hand is my soul, not until I am dearer to you than your own self.? ?Umar said to him: ?Now, by Allaah, you are dearer to me than my own self.? The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ?Now (you are a true believer), O ?Umar.? Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6257.