20100124
In Luke 9:57-62, Jesus met three persons who wanted to follow Him. He challenges them and exposes their motives and priorities. He teaches us what our motives and priorities should be when we deny self, take up our cross daily and follow Him.
The first person appeared passionate as he blurted out: “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go”. He appeared to have the will and was ready to deny self. But it was apparently not enough. Jesus responded by saying that the Son of Man has no permanent address on earth. To follow Jesus requires a life of adjustments, of going where God wants him. He needs to be ready to endure inconveniences, sacrifice earthly comforts and securities and be ready to move as the Lord calls. Are we willing to sacrifice creature comforts and stability to follow Christ?
The second person replied to Jesus: “Lord, let me go first and bury my father”. He was not arranging for his father’s immediate funeral. While his father was still alive, this man was not available to follow Jesus. He had family responsibilities like ensuring that his father was cared for in his old age. Jesus’ response is one of priority – there are still many people who have not heard of the gospel at all, besides those who have already heard but not made a personal decision to follow Him. He wants us to go to preach the kingdom of God to such people. Following Jesus takes precedence over family obligations (ref. Lk. 14:26). Are we willing to put Christ before our family responsibilities?
The third person requested permission to bid farewell to his family members. It seemed a reasonable request. Was it harsh when our Lord Jesus replied, “No one, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Lk. 9:62). Jesus seeks single-hearted commitment – no looking back. Returning to familiar conditions could embroil the person to other worldly concerns. His passion for God’s work may be diluted. Are we willing to burn all our “bridges” (achievements, possessions, family and all things dear to us) as we follow Jesus single-heartedly?
Jesus is very demanding. He is “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Rev. 19:16). He demands our all. We must have a willing heart, asking for His strength to follow Him through all our daily ups and downs. He loves us very much and has given us eternal life. Let us follow Jesus and serve Him as Lord, Master and King.
