Have you ever felt the pull to follow Yeshua, but hesitated due to the demands it might place on your life?
Luke 9:57-62 presents a powerful reminder of the commitment required to be a disciple of Christ.
Reconnect: In the preceding passages of Luke 9, we witness Yeshua’s interactions with His disciples, teaching them about true greatness and responding with grace in the face of rejection.
Exacting Discipleship
57As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.” 58And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” 59And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” 60But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.” 61Another also said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.” 62But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Summary Key Points:
- A Forward Resolve: In Luke 9:57, a man expresses his eagerness to follow Yeshua. However, he fails to fully consider the cost and implications of discipleship. Yeshua challenges him to understand that following Him means prioritizing the kingdom of God above worldly concerns.
- The Call to Immediate Obedience: Another individual offers to follow Yeshua, but first asks for a delay to attend to personal matters. Yeshua emphasizes the urgency of discipleship, highlighting the need for immediate obedience and unwavering commitment.
- Putting God First: Yeshua encounters a third person who is willing to follow Him, but wishes to bid farewell to his family first. Yeshua stresses the importance of prioritizing God above all earthly relationships, urging him to focus wholeheartedly on the kingdom of God.
- Avoiding Distractions: Yeshua warns against allowing worldly affairs to hinder one’s commitment to discipleship. He underscores the necessity of unwavering dedication and resolve, cautioning against the dangers of looking back or being drawn away by temporal concerns.
Call to Action:
- Count the Cost: Before committing to follow Yeshua, take time to consider the demands and sacrifices that discipleship entails. Be prepared to prioritize God above all else, even if it means letting go of worldly pursuits or personal ambitions.
- Practice Immediate Obedience: When Yeshua calls, respond with haste and wholehearted obedience. Avoid the temptation to delay or make excuses, and trust in His leading to guide you on the path of discipleship.
- Guard Against Distractions: Stay focused on the kingdom of God, and be vigilant against the distractions and temptations.
In the journey of discipleship, let us remember the words of Yeshua: “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). May we fix our eyes on Him, counting the cost and embracing the commitment required to follow faithfully.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts open to Your call. Help us, Lord, to count the cost of discipleship and to respond with wholehearted obedience. Grant us the strength to prioritize Your kingdom above all else, setting aside worldly distractions and desires. May Your Spirit guide us on the path of discipleship, that we may walk in unwavering commitment to You. In the name of Yeshua, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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