Luke: The Cost of Following

Today we are beginning a new series focussing on the Gospel of Luke. In the Common Lectionary, 2010 is a year when readings from Luke are central. Our series will include Lectionary readings, but not necessarily in the set order.

Today we are looking at Luke 9: 51-62. This is the end of a very eventful chapter. Just the last half has Jesus asking the disciples who they think he is, and Peter, on behalf of them all has declared that he is the Messiah; the one the Jews were expecting to come as their deliverer. Jesus and his inner circle of disciples have been up a mountain where God has declared that Jesus is his Son, his chosen, and the one they should listen to.

We have seen a boy healed and Jesus talking about his death. There has been an argument about greatness and who is qualified to do things in Jesus’ name.

Now at verse 51 that discussion of power and authority comes to a head when a Samaritan village refuses entry to Jesus. James and John assume they have power and authority to bring down judgement on them. It sounds like they want to drop napalm or something, to blow them away and teach them a lesson. Is this the kind of disciples Jesus wants us to be? There are many Christians today who think this is what we should do to those who oppose Jesus. We have seen wars based on this very idea. In verse 55, “Jesus turned and rebuked them.” That approach is anti-Christian.

What then does it mean to follow Jesus? In Verse 57 a man wants to be a follower and Jesus warns him that it means homelessness. Certainly we can construe that following Jesus has no materialistic rewards, though there are many who say the opposite in our time, when most people who attend churches in the western world are fairly affluent. I think Jesus might be suggesting that the Christian life has a different agenda.

What does it mean to follow Jesus? In verses 59 and 61, Jesus calls others to follow, but they have other family and cultural priorities so they want a short delay. Jesus seems to recognise that there are always priorities which get in the way, but his call is meant to have top priority. Everything else can find its place after our primary commitment to him. He is not, in the end seeking to take us away from our homes or families, but to bring our lives under the rule of God’s Kingdom. It is Kingdom life we are called to live and Kingdom life we are called to proclaim.

While Jesus strips us bare at one level, he clothes us perfectly at another. It is a matter of priority. It is following Jesus into Kingdom life which sets our priorities and puts everything in order, so we can live the most positive life possible. This is the Good News we are called to share as disciples.

Adrian.