In the journey of faith, there are moments of profound realization that reshape our understanding of discipleship. In a recent sermon based on Luke 9:57-62, I shared a compelling message about the cost of following Jesus, emphasizing the unwavering commitment required to walk in the path of true discipleship.
Understanding Home
I began with a reflection on Luke 9:57-58, where a man expresses his willingness to follow Jesus anywhere. Jesus responds, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” This response highlights the transient nature of Jesus’ earthly ministry and serves as a reminder that our true home is not of this world but in heaven. I shared my personal struggle of never feeling at home anywhere, a feeling that resonated deeply with the message that heaven is our ultimate home. This realization brought comfort and a clearer understanding of my spiritual journey.
The Cost of Commitment
In verses 59-60, Jesus calls another man to follow Him, but the man asks to first bury his father. Jesus’ reply, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God,” underscores the urgency and priority of the kingdom’s work. This passage challenges believers to prioritize their commitment to God above all earthly obligations, even those as significant as family duties. The call to discipleship demands an unwavering focus on God’s mission.
No Looking Back
The narrative continues in verses 61-62 with another individual willing to follow Jesus but first wanting to say goodbye to his family. Jesus responds, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” This metaphor of plowing signifies the dedication and forward-focus required in discipleship. Looking back symbolizes distraction and a divided heart, which are incompatible with the call to follow Christ fully.
Lessons from Elijah and Elisha
I drew parallels with the story of Elijah and Elisha from the Old Testament. When Elijah called Elisha, he found him plowing with oxen. Elijah threw his mantle on Elisha, symbolizing the transfer of prophetic authority and anointing. Elisha immediately left his plow to follow Elijah, a foreshadowing of how Jesus called His disciples from their daily work. This immediate response exemplifies the total commitment expected of Jesus’ followers.
The Assurance of Provision
Jesus’ call comes with a promise: “Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). I emphasized that when we prioritize God’s kingdom, He ensures that our needs are met. The disciples left their livelihoods to follow Jesus, trusting in His provision. Similarly, modern-day believers are encouraged to trust that God will provide for them as they dedicate their lives to His service.
Moving Forward Without Regret
My final exhortation was clear: once we commit to following Jesus, we must not look back. The journey ahead may be challenging, but turning back is not an option. The farther we walk with the Lord, the less appealing our past life becomes. The transformation that occurs in us through Christ makes returning to our old ways unthinkable.
Conclusion
The cost of discipleship is high, demanding complete dedication and a forward-looking faith. This sermon from Luke 9 challenges believers to examine their commitment to Jesus, reminding us that our true home is in heaven, and our ultimate calling is to proclaim the kingdom of God without hesitation or regret. By keeping our hands to the plow and our eyes on Jesus, we embrace the path of true discipleship, assured that He will provide for our every need along the way.