The Radical Cost of Following Jesus: No Turning Back

The Cost of Following Jesus

As Jesus journeys to Jerusalem, a group of would-be disciples approaches him, eager to follow. But Jesus is clear: following him requires uncompromising commitment.

No Place to Call Home

A man promises to follow Jesus anywhere, but Jesus responds with a stark reality check. “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Jesus has no permanent residence, no fixed location to call his own. To follow him is to forsake comfort and security.

A Higher Calling

Another man is called to follow Jesus, but he asks to first bury his father. Jesus’ response is shocking: “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Disciples have a more important calling than family obligations.

No Looking Back

A third man wants to follow Jesus, but asks to say goodbye to his family first. Jesus rejects this proposal, using the image of plowing to illustrate the importance of single-minded focus. Those who start plowing and then turn back are unfit for the kingdom.

Family Subordinated to the Kingdom

In these verses, we see that family is subordinated to the call of Jesus. We must be willing to go wherever and whenever Jesus wants us to go, without making idols of our families or relationships.

The Mark of a True Disciple

Following Jesus requires costly discipleship, not fluffy Christianity. We must beware of half-hearted commitment and be willing to suffer, to give our all for Christ, and to persevere until the end.

Joy in the Journey

But the reward is worth it. When we follow Jesus, he grants us joy inexpressible and full of glory. We will have no regrets or remorse for doing his will, and we will be full of joy that the world does not understand.

Notes

This article is adapted from the ESV Expository Commentary: Matthew-Luke (Volume 8) edited by Iain M. Duguid, James M. Hamilton Jr., and Jay Sklar. Thomas R. Schreiner is the James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and associate dean of the School of Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

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