Luke 9:51-62
Luke 9:57 “As they were walking along the road, a man said to [Him], ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’”
Luke 9:59 “[Jesus] said to another man, ‘Follow me.’”
Luke 9:61 “Still another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and …’”
In this passage we see that Jesus’ ministry on earth was nearing the end as the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven. He had been teaching, healing, and performing miraculous signs, and now the time had come for him to set out for Jerusalem where the Passover lamb would be chosen, and the sacrifice would be made.
Was Jesus apprehensive? No, he resolutely embraced his purpose to be delivered into the hands of man, go to the cross, and bear our punishment.
What about you and me? As disciples of Christ, we are all on the way to Jerusalem, the heavenly Jerusalem. We have been called to deny ourself and take up our cross and follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24). Will our attitude be resolute or will we sound more like the characters in this passage who saw the cost of following Jesus to be too great?
The first man started off boastfully enthusiastic, but when faced with the reality of rejection or hardship, he does not persevere. The invitation to follow was given to another man, but when he considered the cost of leaving the old life behind, he could not commit. To the last man, Jesus says, it is time to put your hand to the work of the kingdom and not look back. Jesus tells all of us to look forward and stay focused in the right direction with eyes set on the kingdom.
For us to follow Jesus what will it cost?
Prayer: Jesus, as your disciple, we are called to self-denial, sacrifice, and submission. It is a difficult path to take, and it is impossible for us in our own strength. But we come to you with childlike faith and trust that in Christ we have the spirit of power, love and self-discipline to walk in step with the Spirit of God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
