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Jesus calls us to follow We all have a story of calling to share about God’s call on our lives. Today we are looking at the story of three "would-be" disciples. All the cameos in this passage point to some of what is involved in committing oneself to being a follower of Jesus. In verse 57 we read that “As Jesus and his disciples were walking along the road a man said to him, I will follow you wherever you go.” I wonder what might have prompted this statement of commitment from the man? There must have been something about Jesus and what he was doing that attracted this man to Jesus. What is it that attracts each us here today to Jesus? The encounter in verse 57 happens along a journey. Jesus is not only on a physical path to Jerusalem, but also on the path to fulfil his destiny, his mission. Main Point: The man who desires to follow Jesus encounters Jesus while he is moving. In the same way any encounter with Jesus will not find Jesus passively waiting, nor should we be passively waiting. Becoming a disciple involves taking steps of faith and jumping on board a train that is already moving. God uses people that are moving and who are looking for opportunities to serve him.
In verse 58 Main Point: The man offers to follow Jesus but Jesus raises an objection to the man’s resolve. He seems to be discouraging the man on the basis that the man may not fully appreciate the discomfort he is bound to incur by following Jesus. Discipleship makes us forever pilgrims and exiles on this earth. As long as we live in the faith of Christ we are travelling along a way with Jesus that is demanding and challenging albeit fulfulling and rewarding. What are some of the challenges you may be facing as you journey with Jesus? What are some of the rewards?
In verse 59 This time the objection was raised by the would-be follower. The call to discipleship is extended to the man by Jesus in this encounter, whereas in the previous encounter the man calls himself. Burying your father was a duty that was a cultural expectation placed on every son or daughter in the first century Jewish life. Main Point: The life of a disciple begins the moment the call is extended, but the responsibilities of life do not go away. This ‘would be’ disciple faced a conflict when he saw what discipleship looked like. Following Jesus today is not any easier. We can expect to encounter situations where we will be conflicted if we intend to follow him. Following Jesus is serious business and all other business must be put aside to follow him. What is your own personal experience of this conflict? Verse 61 Still another said, ‘I will follow you Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” This would-be disciple approaches Jesus, like the first one. Not the other way around. The man’s request is the same as the request made by Elisha when he was called by Elijah in 1 Kings 19 excepting that in that case Elijah granted Elisha's request and he was allowed to go home and say goodbye. Main Point: The story makes the point that Jesus' calling is both demanding and requires sacrifice. He places his own mission in order of importance, above the mission of Elijah and there is a sense of urgency which is seen in this response. Verse 62 ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for sacrifice in the kingdom of God.’ Main Point Jesus is not just a prophet like Elijah, and his mission is more demanding than people anticipate. His path is not one you go on for a time, or a season while it is convenient with one eye on the other demands life may be making on you. It is not a part time offer of service which we render when we feel like it, rather it is a way of life. The call of Jesus is total and it involves hard spiritual work. It’s purpose is to sow the seeds of justice, peace, truth and love where God's kingdom is present. Jesus uses the image of a plow as a symbol of discipleship. What might this symbol suggest to you in your own spiritual walk? A final look: Following Jesus is more then anyone in this passage bargained for. The call is extreme because the mission is seminal. The image of a prophet is always in the background but Jesus defines himself as more than a prophet. He defines himself as the Messiah, the Son of God. As all these people are toying with the idea of following him, we must remember that Jesus is on his final pilgrimage to Jerusalem where he will be offered as a Pascal lamb in order to make a lasting peace for all humanity. We are called to take up the tools of the Gospel of Jesus and follow on in his Way. I wonder what excuses we might use for not entering the way of Jesus fully? All are called to live as prophets and followers of Jesus but we are reminded in this passage that not all choose to follow when push comes to shove. When do you feel most empowered and free to live the Christ-life? God uses people who are on the move and who are actively looking for opportunities to serve him. God is looking to use us! Where are you moving today and how are you searching for opportunities to serve him? Bibliography: Orant A stumbling examination of what it means to follow Jesus |
