DAY #108: Luke 9:57-10:16

Someone approached and wanted to follow Jesus. Matthew wrote that this man was a teacher of religious law. Most of these leaders became Jesus’ enemies, but at least one apparently recognized Jesus’ authority and wanted to be his disciple. Jesus’ reply, however, pointed out to the man the cost of becoming a disciple.Jesus did not grab onto disciples, eagerly taking anyone who wanted to follow.

Those who truly wanted to be his disciples needed to understand that it would cost them something. While most of God’s creatures have warm places in which to live and to sleep, the Son of Man had no home of his own, no place to lay his head. To be Jesus’ disciple, a person must willingly put aside worldly security. The words are recorded for believers’ benefit.

Have you counted the cost of following Jesus? Do you understand that following Jesus is far more valuable than anything this world offers? The previous man came on his own to Jesus; this time, however, Jesus asked another man to be his disciple. But this man explained that he first needed to return home and bury his father.

The man was asking for permission to wait until his father died—an indefinite delay. The reason is not given, but whatever it was, the man wanted to do it “first.” Whether his concern was fulfilling a duty, having financial security, keeping family approval, or something else, he did not want to commit himself to Jesus just yet.Jesus’ response: “Let those who are spiritually dead care for their own dead” points out that those who want to follow him should count the cost and set aside any conditions they might have.

In other words, let those who are spiritually dying (those who have not responded to the call to commitment) stay home and handle responsibilities such as burying the dead. This may sound insensitive, but it had precedents. A high priest and those who had taken the Nazirite vow were required by the law to avoid the corpse of even a parent (Leviticus 21:11; Numbers 6:6-8). A later Jewish precedent says that if there were enough people in attendance, a student of the Torah should not stop his studying to bury the dead.

Jesus placed commitment to God even above these precedents. As God’s Son, Jesus did not hesitate to demand complete loyalty. Even family loyalty was not to take priority over the demands of obedience to the command to go and preach the coming of the Kingdom of God. Jesus’ direct challenge forces believers to evaluate their priorities.A third person approached and this one, like the first, expressed his desire to follow Jesus. However, this man also had something he wanted to do first. Jesus ascertained in this potential follower a sense of reluctance and an unfortunate willingness to put something else ahead of following Jesus.

This was not the type of follower Jesus needed.The picture of a person putting a hand to the plow and looking back can be compared with Elijah’s call of Elisha in 1 Kings 19:19-21. Elisha was called to be a prophet right in the middle of plowing a field—and he never looked back. In fact, he slaughtered the oxen so that there would be no temptation to return. Elisha then moved wholeheartedly into the ministry to which he had been called.

Jesus explained that service in the Kingdom of God was of such vital importance that his followers must make it their top priority. They must step out in faith to serve him, without looking back.What does Jesus want from his followers? Total dedication, not halfhearted commitment. His followers must accept the cross along with the crown, judgment as well as mercy. They must count the cost and be willing to abandon everything else that has given them security. Nothing should distract them from service for the Kingdom.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

When I read this passage today, I am reminded of 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NIV)...

"For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."

Lord, so many start out well. So many start out receiving You and following You and then something or someone takes their heart or steals their joy and pretty soon - BOOM - they're gone.

"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. "A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough." Galatians 5:7-9 (NIV)

Lord, help us build a church, help us build LIFE groups, help us build people who will follow YOU over the long haul. No mere wistful followers, but rock solid, mature people of faith