The first one said: "Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head" (Lk. 9:57,58).
1. He was zealous, but ignorant of the cost.
Every one that follows Christ needs to understand that Christ is not offering a joy ride. There is a cost involved, and it is not called a "cross" for nothing. Personal experience has taught me that there is no greater joy than following Christ, but that is not what serving Him is about. Are you willing to follow Christ even though a cost will be involved?
The second one said: "And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God" (Lk. 9:60,61).
2. He wants to serve Christ and the world.
Christ is not looking for people who are going to serve Him "one day." Most of the time, they end up doing nothing for the Lord. This man probably had no idea of how long his father would live. Quite possibly, he wanted to wait to receive his inheritance. It would only end up being a wasted life lived outside the will of God.
The third man said: "Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house" (Lk. 9:61,62).
3. He was willing to serve, but not yet.
It is foolish to talk about what we will do for the Lord after we do something else. Christ wants instant obedience – just like a soldier is expected to obey quickly when an order is given.
Christ's summary explanation to the people who heard these answers were simple and to the point. He said: "No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Lk. 9:62). He is not talking about salvation, but discipleship. There is no time for reconsideration. Go forward, obey today, grow spiritually, and keep moving in that direction. He will guide and bless.
What is it that is holding you back from serving Christ today – right now? Are you willing to confess it and start serving now? Why not tell Him so in prayer and rededicate yourself to fresh service with zeal?
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Keywords: servant, disciple, serve, Christ, Luke 9