Leave All To Follow Jesus; He Will Never Leave You (Luke 9:57-62; 18:28-29)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
30 September 2018
Jesus calls his followers to a total commitment.
One aspiring follower said he would follow Jesus wherever he went. This man was a Scribe and was a well-to-do Israelite used to a life of relative comfort. Jesus exposed this man's unwillingness to endure hardships.
Things have not changed. The desire for a life of comfort without hardships still hinders aspiring disciples from following Jesus outright. When it comes to following Jesus the cross takes priority over comforts. This reality confronts believers today just as it has always done.
A second man wanted to first go and "bury his father." Jesus challenged this man by saying "Let the dead bury their dead" which meant social responsibilities do not have precedence over God's calling. Jesus is not against funerals but partaking in funeral rites, often protracted affairs, may become a hindrance to obedience to Christ.
A third man wanted to go home to farewell his family. Jesus taught that once a person puts his hand to the plough and looks back he is not fit for the kingdom of God. Jesus is not against family ties but Christ's kingdom takes precedence over family, particularly where family may be instrumental in discouraging discipleship.
Jesus clearly called for total commitment to him. There is no halfway; it is all or nothing.
For those who do commit themselves to Jesus there is a great promise given, namely, Jesus will never forsake you (Luke 18:28-29). In this world you will be provided for. In the world to come you will have life everlasting.
There is nothing to fear in totally committing your life to Jesus Christ. He taught in Matthew 6:31-34 that we are to seek his kingdom and his righteousness and all things we need in this life shall be given to us.
Put your hand to the gospel plough and do not look back. In former days a farmer would use a plough pulled by a horse to prepare his land for planting. He would not look back lest he lose direction.
Christians must not look back. Look straight ahead just as Jesus did. He was unwavering in his commitment to the heavenly Father. Be like Jesus; that's what discipleship is about.