Are You Following Jesus?

N.T.#555 "Are You Following Jesus?"

May 22, 2025 

Luke 9-Part 12

LET IT GLOW

We know that Jesus came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them. (verse 56) Judgment will come after His return as part of His plan. The group went into another village since the Samaritans would not welcome Jesus. 

Now Jesus encountered 3 different men wanting to follow Jesus, but had excuses:

1. The first said he would follow Jesus "whithersoever thou goest." Jesus knew he wasn't willing to leave his area and comforts in order to do so. His reply was, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. (verse 58)
2. As Jesus called the second man to follow Him, the man gave an excuse of going to bury his father first.(verse 59) Either the father had not yet died, but near death, and the son was waiting to bury him or could be it was a someday death. Perhaps the father had already died and the son's responsibility was to bury the father, and ritually remain unclean for 7 days before returning into society. It was an excuse at any rate. Jesus' response was to let the dead bury the dead, go preach the kingdom of God.
3. The third man said he would follow Jesus, but first he wanted to go home and bid his family and friends good bye. No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (verse 62) 

Remember, Jesus was on His way to a final trip to Jerusalem. He had no excuses for not dying for us. He was all in, totally committed, going all the way because He loves people. What about us? do we make excuses for not obeying Jesus?

LET IT GROW

We have Jesus pointing out 3 qualities in His disciples with no promise of earthly benefits:

1. An unreserved sacrifice in following Jesus meant there was no promise of any benefits in the worldly sense, no wealth or power. (Jesus lived in poverty.) 
2. An undivided and complete devotion to Him. 
3. Willingness to do and go where Jesus leads.

Following Jesus' call for our life may be hard at times, filled with uncertainties, and come at a high cost. Paul warned us that those who live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (2 Tim.3:12) Be ready. God gives strength to the weak, love to the unloved, hope for eternal life, peace and joy beyond all measure. 

LET IT GO

Is God ruling over every area of your life and my life? 

Follow Jesus now, today, not later, not some other time, not some other place, but where you are, not when you have more to offer. Give Jesus all. See how He will uses you. You will be amazed.

I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.

Though none go with me, still I will follow.

My cross I'll carry til I see Jesus.