This past Sunday we read through the next major section of Luke’s gospel (9:51-14:35). If you missed it, you can watch it here.
One of the most noticeable differences in this section from what we’ve covered so far is the amount of Jesus’ speaking. God’s thundering voice from the transfiguration, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” echoes throughout these chapters. And one of the things Jesus has the most to say about is discipleship – what it means to follow him.
Our text this Sunday will be Luke 9:51-62. Take a moment to read it.
Jesus forces three would-be followers to do some cost-benefit analysis. “Follow me” is a call to count the cost in two words. Follow highlights the potential cost, and as we see here, it is significant. But Me highlights the benefit – joining Jesus himself in the kingdom of God. He has already made the bold promise “whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it (Luke 9:24).”
The question is, “Do we really believe this?” Or when the costs come, will we change our minds and turn away? Jesus forces that question right up front with the solemn warning, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62).”
This Sunday Erik Thoennes will be preaching and Kenny Clark will be leading our sung worship. Would you pray for each as they prepare?
See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!
Song Link of the Week
Light of the Lord by Songs of Grace
Come, let us welcome the work of the Spirit
Transforming within
Dying to self, saying “yes” to His will
Daily following Him