Luke 9:51-62 is a passage that challenges us to consider the cost of following Jesus. In these verses, we see Jesus setting his face toward Jerusalem, knowing that his journey there will lead to his crucifixion. He challenges those who would follow him to count the cost of commitment and to prioritize their relationship with him above all else. This passage is a reminder that following Jesus is not always easy, but it is always worth it.
Jesus sets his face toward Jerusalem
In Luke 9:51, we see Jesus resolutely setting his face toward Jerusalem. He knows that his journey there will lead to his death, but he is determined to carry out the will of his Father. This is a powerful example of obedience and trust in God’s plan. As followers of Jesus, we are called to have the same level of commitment to God’s will, even when it is difficult or painful.
The cost of following Jesus
In verses 57-62, we see Jesus challenging those who would follow him to count the cost of commitment. He tells one potential disciple that following him means giving up earthly comforts and security. He tells another that following him means putting the kingdom of God above family obligations. These are difficult sacrifices to make, but they are necessary if we want to truly follow Jesus. We must be willing to let go of anything that stands in the way of our relationship with him.
The urgency of discipleship
In verses 59-60, we see Jesus telling a man to follow him immediately, without delay. This is a reminder that discipleship is urgent and requires immediate action. We cannot wait until we feel ready or until the timing is convenient. We must be willing to follow Jesus at all times, even when it is difficult or inconvenient.
Counting the cost of commitment
In verse 62, Jesus tells a man to count the cost of following him before making a commitment. This is a reminder that following Jesus requires sacrifice and commitment. We must be willing to give up anything that stands in the way of our relationship with him. We must count the cost of commitment and be willing to pay it, knowing that the reward of a relationship with Jesus is worth any sacrifice we may have to make.
Luke 9:51-62 challenges us to consider the cost of following Jesus. It reminds us that discipleship is not always easy, but it is always worth it. As we set our faces toward Jerusalem, let us be willing to make the sacrifices necessary to follow Jesus. Let us prioritize our relationship with him above all else and count the cost of commitment. May we be like the disciples who followed Jesus immediately and without hesitation, knowing that the reward of a relationship with him is worth any sacrifice we may have to make.