This contains a powerful message about the cost of following Jesus and the commitment required to be His disciple.
Verse 57 states, "As they went on the way, a certain man said to him, 'I want to follow you wherever you go, Lord.'" In this encounter, a man expresses a desire to become a disciple of Jesus. He acknowledges Jesus as "Lord" and indicates his willingness to follow Him wherever He goes. It seems as though this man is making a sincere declaration of commitment and dedication to Jesus.
Applying this verse to our lives, we can see ourselves in this man's desire to follow Jesus. As believers, we too acknowledge Jesus as Lord and desire to be His disciples. We may declare our willingness to follow Him wherever He leads us, expressing our commitment to a life of faith and obedience.
Verse 58 records Jesus' response to the man's declaration: "'The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.'" Jesus' response might appear surprising or even discouraging to some. Instead of immediately welcoming the man's offer to follow Him, Jesus presents the reality of the cost of discipleship. He emphasizes that following Him requires sacrifice and may involve discomfort or even uncertainty.
Applying this verse to our lives, we must understand that being a disciple of Jesus comes with its challenges and demands. Jesus does not promise a life of comfort, prosperity, or ease. As His followers, we should be prepared to face hardships, opposition, and even the potential loss of earthly comforts for the sake of the Gospel.
The phrase "Son of Man" that Jesus uses to refer to Himself highlights His identification with humanity and His mission to bring salvation to humanity. It also underscores the humility of Jesus, who willingly left the glories of heaven to dwell among us and bear the burden of our sins.
In Luke 14:27, Jesus continues to teach about the cost of discipleship, saying, "Whoever doesn’t bear his own cross and come after me can’t be my disciple." Here, Jesus uses the powerful imagery of bearing one's own cross, symbolizing the willingness to endure suffering and sacrifice for the sake of following Him.
Verse 59 presents another encounter with a different man: "He said to another, 'Follow me!' But he said, 'Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.'" In this interaction, Jesus initiates the call to follow Him, and the man responds with a request to delay his discipleship, seemingly until after he attends to his family obligations, particularly his father's burial.
Jesus' call to follow Him is immediate and demands a wholehearted response. His words echo the urgency of the Gospel message, which requires us to prioritize Him above all else, even family commitments.
Applying this verse to our lives, we are reminded of the need for decisive and immediate obedience to Jesus' call. While family responsibilities and obligations are important, Jesus requires us to put Him first in our lives. Our relationship with Christ should take precedence over all other commitments and demands.
In Luke 14:26, Jesus emphasizes the radical nature of His call, saying, "If anyone comes to me and doesn’t hate his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he can’t be my disciple." This strong language highlights the necessity of loving Jesus above all other relationships, even those closest to us.
Finally, in verse 60, Jesus responds to the man's request: "But Jesus said to him, 'Leave the dead to bury their own dead, but you go and announce the Kingdom of God.'" Jesus' response might sound harsh or insensitive, but it underscores the urgency and priority of proclaiming the Kingdom of God.
Applying this verse to our lives, we recognize that there are times when following Jesus requires us to make difficult choices and sacrifices. Jesus calls us to be active participants in His mission of spreading the Gospel and building His Kingdom. While honoring family responsibilities is important, Jesus reminds us that there are moments when our commitment to Him and His Kingdom must take precedence.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus provides a guiding principle for our lives, saying, "But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." This verse reminds us of the assurance that when we prioritize God's Kingdom and live in obedience to Him, He will take care of our needs and concerns.
In conclusion, Luke 9:57-58 delivers a profound message about the cost of discipleship and the commitment required to follow Jesus. Jesus calls us to be devoted and obedient to Him, understanding that being His disciple may involve sacrifice, discomfort, and challenges. However, the reward of knowing and serving Jesus, and participating in His Kingdom's work, far outweighs any hardships we may face. Let us embrace the call to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, seeking first His Kingdom and living in the assurance that He is with us and will supply all our needs as we walk with Him.
Luke 9:57-58. As they went on the way, a certain man said to him, “I want to follow you wherever you go, Lord.” Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”