Jesus gives
three seemingly different responses to three different kinds of people who want
to join Jesus on His ministerial journey (Luke 9:57-62). The first of these is an enthusiast, an
idealist. "I'll follow you wherever you go." And Jesus responds, “You say that now, yes,
and I'm sure you mean it now--but you say it without knowing its meaning. If you can know it’s meaning and still be so
enthusiastic, then by all means, join me.”
The second
would-be disciple has the obligation of unresolved religious duties. He has the obligation of burying his father. To this one Jesus says, “That's another
excuse. When you’ve buried him, you’ll find another reason and another reason
and another reason, all perfectly good, all proper and all reasonable. And all
of these reasons will be serving God in one way or another. But they’re mere excuses. Proper religious duty, religious duty that’s
alive and well attends to the center not to the edges.”
Finally, a
person approaches with the responsibility of familial obligation. Jesus recognizes the importance of these but
emphasizes the importance of serving the Kingdom. Once you know your duty, once you know what
God requires, there can be no going home and saying goodbye. But interestingly, there is also no need,
because serving God doesn’t require abandoning those whom we love any more than
taking a job in another city does. Indeed,
serving God is taking a job in another city—in the City of God, which is
present to all forever.
While the three
responses seem different, the gospel is actually a strong reminder how in
deciding to follow Jesus, we have to have a single-minded commitment and focus on
our discipleship. No ifs, ands, or buts.
Our faith
demands that we follow the path less traveled, that we listen to the Holy
Spirit who burns in our hearts, that we ensure our thoughts and actions are
grounded in the commitment to our faith; our commitment to our faith comes
first. And rather than reduce the value
of the other aspects of our lives, this commitment above all others actually
enriches all other life dimensions.
Our faith in
Jesus casts light on every aspect of us, and our relationships. It allows us to appreciate what is truly
valuable, gives us discernment to pursue things everlasting, and enhances our
relationship with ourselves and those around us—but only after our commitment
to Jesus has to come first—and this must be founded in love.
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