The Cost of Discipleship

Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:37-62)

For eight chapters, the Gospel of Luke describes the coming of Jesus Christ and His early ministry. His disciples witness Him teach with wisdom, heal the sick, give sight to the blind, cast out demons, and bring the dead back to life. They were "astonished at the majesty of God" (v. 43).

However, the narrative takes a drastic turn here in chapter nine. Jesus explicitly named the path awaiting him for the first time, involving suffering, betrayal, and death. Then He chose that path: "He set his face to go to Jerusalem" (v. 51), where He would suffer, be crucified, and die, and he chose the way of the cross.

The disciples were slow to understand what Jesus meant. They were still excited by the glorious acts of Jesus' life so far. This exclusive focus on glory leads them to argue about the greatest. Then they wonder if they should call down fire from heaven to destroy people who rejected Jesus. In both instances, they have yet to see the cost of discipleship.

We then reach one of the most challenging parts of the chapter (vv. 57–62). Three anonymous followers declare their allegiance to Jesus, each with a condition. The first implies a need for a stable home—a "place to lay my head." The second wants to fulfil his cultural duty to bury his father. This was one of the most sacred responsibilities for a Jewish son. The third wants to say his goodbyes to family and friends. Jesus' response sounds harsh: He implied that none of them was fit for the kingdom of heaven.

We would be remiss to say Jesus prohibited these actions. He was not trying to destroy families or deprive friends of meaningful farewells. He was, after all, a Jewish man who respected and obeyed the Lawfully. However, His words highlight the cost of discipleship. Following Jesus means an allegiance without conditions. It means submitting all of one's ambitions, goals, dreams (however good they may be!) to God. It means reordering priorities, making sacrifices, giving up old habits, and choosing the way of the cross.

LET US PRAY - Father, we are tempted like these early followers to place conditions on our commitment to follow You. Reveal our competing allegiances and grant us the strength to turn from them. Lead us in the way of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who shows us the joy and the cost of discipleship. In Jesus' name. Amen.