DISCIPLE: NO DELAYS, NO DISTRACTIONS
Luke 9:57- 62
This is part 4 of the sermon series, “Disciple.”
There were people who wanted to follow Christ, and there were people whom Christ called to follow. Luke highlights three conversations about following Christ. In these conversations, one may understand what Christ expects of a follower. Another term for follower is “disciple.” Somehow, the Lord established the standard of being a genuine disciple. His genuine disciple will face all discomfort and will not delay. In other words, a disciple’s commitment to Christ is above all.
Discomfort
A person expresses his intent to follow the Lord. But the Lord warns the one who intends to follow of the hardship. He explains that foxes and birds have places to stay, but He has none. Jesus speaks metaphorically of the challenges.
Luke 9:57-58, ESV: As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
It is good to note that the term “fox” is used to describe the political adversaries of the Jewish people. If that is true, then Jesus was implying that those in power might give you a better place to stay and give you other comforts. A true disciple is prepared to bear whatever discomfort for His sake.
No Delays
The Lord explains that following Him is more important than burying one’s father. In a cultural context, burying one’s father may mean waiting until he dies or transferring the bones from the burial site to the grave of the ancestors after one year. Note as well that following Christ entails proclaiming His kingdom.
Luke 9:59-60: To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
Another way of looking at this is that those who do not follow the Lord are spiritually dead. If they do not want to follow, let them be, as long as you follow without delay. Although this perspective might be unlikely.
No Distractions
Another one expresses his desire to follow, but wants to say goodbye to his family. This might be a reference to Elijah putting his mantle on Elisha while Elisha was plowing. Elisha accepts the call but requests to say goodbye to his family. Elijah agreed, but Jesus did not. Following Jesus is urgent and demands no permission from others.
Luke 9:61-62: Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Once a disciple leaves everyone and everything behind, there should be no looking back. A plowman should plow straight; looking back ruins the work. Once a disciple leaves the old life without Christ, they should not go back to it. If they do, according to Christ, they are not fit for the kingdom of God.
Application
1. Let us not follow in word only but also in deed. Let us follow Christ despite the discomfort. If He provides for our comfort, let us praise Him; if He does not, then let us also praise Him.
2. Let us not make any excuses when following Christ. Nothing is more important and urgent. While we should continue to respect our parents, our duty to proclaim the kingdom of God is higher than our duty to our parents.
3. Let us follow Christ now. There is no need for permission from family or friends. We should not delay in following Christ. Let us remember what Christ expects of a disciple. Let us become disciples and let us make disciples in His name.
POEM
FOLLOW THE SON OF MAN by Ed Pilapil Jr. Will you follow the Son of Man? But to follow is more than words It is more than a scheme or plan More comfort in foxes and birds Will you follow the Son of Man? There is no excuse, no burial No delaying or waiting plan Jesus requires self-denial Will you follow the Son of Man? Note: no farewells or permissions All in, no delays, that’s the plan Give the absolute devotion No such thing as half devotion Proclaim the kingdom, that’s His plan That’s now, no need for permission Will you follow the Son of Man?
Study Guide
1. According to the passage, what does it mean to follow Jesus?
2. How does this passage compare to Luke 14:25-33?
3. Knowing what a disciple is according to Jesus, what do you think Jesus meant when He commanded His disciples to make disciples?
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