As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.”
When we come to Luke 9:57-62, Jesus had been gaining momentum and popularity in ministry. Everywhere He went, large crowds gathered and heads would turn for He had made an astounding impact. Many needs of humanity were met. Deliverances were commonplace, and miracles of healing abound. From all outward appearances, it should be attractive to hop onto His bandwagon. Hence, it wouldn’t be difficult to guess why some people would want to follow Him. However, many times, it could be for the wrong reason. People could be so blinded by the glamour of His ministry that they don’t see its demands.
The Impulsive Disciple
Just like the man who came to Jesus in Luke 9:57. He said impulsively to the Lord, “I will follow you wherever you go.” So, in verse 58, the Lord told him the blatant truth: he must count the cost. He told him that “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” The Lord Jesus was not talking about a physical dwelling place. In His ministry, the Lord had many who would gladly give Him a place to rest His head. Here, He was talking about acceptance by society. At that point, opposition against Him and His work was mounting. It would get increasingly more complex to follow Him. If he knew that, would he still be as eager?
The Reluctant Disciple
In verse 59, the next guy had some interest but lacked the commitment. When called to follow Jesus, he made excuses. He requested to follow only when his parents were dead and buried. This guy was saying, “Now is not the time. I have other seemingly more important tasks at hand. I can’t make the sacrifice now.” Of course, Christ saw through it. His response to that man was: “Allow the dead to bury their own dead, but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.” In essence, He told him that discipleship is urgent. He has to prioritise the Kingdom. Discipleship is now and now is the time. If there is commitment, there will be no excuse.
The Hesitant Disciple
In verse 61, the third person asked for time to bid his family farewell before he would join the Lord. Jesus’ answer to him could be summed up in two words: “Be focused!” Using an illustration of a farmer, Jesus told him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” When a farmer is tilling his ground, he cannot constantly look in the rearview mirror or he won’t be able to focus. This underscores the need for concentration in discipleship, making it clear that distractions can hinder our journey.
Following Christ has a cost, it requires commitment, and it calls for concentration. Yes, following Christ calls for three things – Cost, Commitment and Concentration. The Lord often brings us to our “Y-junction” to weigh our hearts’ earnestness. When it comes to Christ, convenience or commitment, which would we choose? The call from Christ is “Follow Me!” It has been right from the start and will always be – Follow Me! This call is not a one-time event but a life-long journey.
Daily Meditation
Monday – Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.”
Tuesday –Mark 1:17
And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”
Wednesday – Luke 18:22
When Jesus heard this, He said to him, “One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
Thursday – John 8:12
Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
Friday – John 12:26
If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.
Saturday – Mark 2:14
As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting in the tax booth, and He said to him, “Follow Me!” And he got up and followed Him.
Sunday –Matthew 28:19-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
All Scriptures are quoted from the New American Standard Bible(NASB1995).
By Pastor Clarence Goh
