Following Jesus: The Cost and the Call

In our journey of faith, we often encounter moments that challenge our understanding of what it truly means to follow Christ. The teachings of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels, provide a stark and sometimes unsettling picture of discipleship that goes beyond mere lip service or casual commitment.
Luke 9:57-62 presents us with three encounters that Jesus had with potential followers. Each interaction peels back a layer of what it means to be a disciple, revealing the depth of commitment Christ expects from those who would follow Him.
The first encounter is with a man who boldly declares, "I will follow you wherever you go." On the surface, this seems like an admirable statement of faith. However, Jesus' response is both surprising and profound: "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."
This response cuts to the heart of what following Jesus truly entails. It's not about comfort or security. It's about being willing to forsake everything – even the basic comforts of home – to follow Him. Jesus is essentially saying, "Are you prepared for a life of uncertainty and potential hardship? Because that's what following me might mean."
The second encounter presents a different challenge. When Jesus calls a man to follow Him, the man responds, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus' reply seems harsh at first glance: "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God."
This exchange isn't about a lack of compassion on Jesus' part. Rather, it's addressing a common idiom of the time that essentially meant, "Let me wait until I receive my inheritance." Jesus sees through to the man's heart – his focus is on money, not on truly following Christ. The call to "proclaim the kingdom of God" is a call to reorient our priorities and put Christ first, above even financial security.
The third encounter follows a similar pattern. A man says he will follow Jesus, but first wants 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 isn't about abandoning family responsibilities. It's about the single-minded focus required to follow Christ. Just as a farmer plowing a field must keep his eyes forward to create straight furrows, so too must a disciple of Christ maintain unwavering focus on the kingdom.
These encounters challenge us to examine our own hearts. What are we putting before Christ in our lives? What "buts" and "firsts" are we inserting into our commitment to follow Him?
The kingdom of God, as Jesus presents it, is not some far-off future reality. It's the present and growing influence of Christ, beginning in human hearts and expanding outward to homes, churches, communities, and nations. To be part of this kingdom means to align ourselves fully with its King.
This alignment often comes at a cost. We may be called to give up comforts, to reorient our financial priorities, or to shift our focus away from worldly concerns. But as Jesus teaches, the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices.
Consider the example of Francis Schaeffer and his wife, who opened their home to those in need, even at the cost of their own comfort and possessions. Their willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the gospel stands as a powerful testament to what it means to truly follow Christ.
The call to follow Jesus is a call to proclaim His kingdom. This doesn't necessarily mean becoming a street preacher or a full-time minister. It means living in such a way that Christ's presence and influence are evident in every aspect of our lives. It means being willing to share the good news of the kingdom with those around us, even when it's uncomfortable or inconvenient.
As we reflect on these teachings, we're challenged to examine our own lives. Are there areas where we've been holding back from full commitment to Christ? Are there comforts or securities we're unwilling to risk for the sake of the kingdom?
The good news is that we're not left to our own devices in this journey. Jesus sees our hearts and knows our struggles. He offers not just a challenge, but also the grace and strength to meet that challenge. As we approach Him honestly, acknowledging our weaknesses and fears, He is faithful to transform us from the inside out.
Following Jesus is not about perfection, but about direction. It's about orienting our lives towards Him, allowing His presence and influence to permeate every aspect of our existence. It's about being willing to say, without caveats or conditions, "Lord, I will follow you."
As we go about our daily lives – in our homes, our workplaces, our communities – may we be ever mindful of this call. May we be people who proclaim the kingdom of God not just with our words, but with our very lives. May we be willing to count the cost, knowing that whatever we give up for Christ pales in comparison to the riches of His kingdom.
Let us approach each day with the prayer, "Lord, help me to follow you more closely. Remove the 'buts' and 'firsts' from my commitment to you. Make me a true disciple, one who is fit for service in your kingdom." As we do so, we can trust that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it, transforming us more and more into the image of His Son.