Following Jesus (Luke 9:57-62)

Luke 9:57-62   As they were going along the road, someone said to Jesus, "I will follow you wherever you go."  And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head."  To another Jesus said, "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."  60 But Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God."  61 Another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home."  62 Jesus said to him, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." 

So many think that following Jesus is a walk in the park.  But Jesus was very up front about what it takes.  He was without a place to lay his head and his followers would be too.  His followers would even have to put proclamation of "the kingdom" before burying their dead.  And Jesus' followers would not be able to look back - they'd need to focused.

This is commitment!  I have found that it really helps if join up with others who have committed to following Jesus together.

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Other gospels weigh in....

Matthew 8:18-22   18 Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side.  19 A scribe then approached and said, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go."  20 And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head."  21 Another of his disciples said to him, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."  22 But Jesus said to him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead."