Bible Discussion Thread

Explain luke 9 57-62

Hello Brenda. In this passage, three different men approach Jesus, no doubt they have been hearing His Words in past encounters with Jesus & sensing that they would like to be a part of His Ministry. My understanding of this is:

The first man (described as a scribe in Matthew 8:19) wanted to be a part of Jesus' team. But as was Jesus' Knowledge of people & the workings of their hearts, He spoke to the man that the life of discipleship can come with hardship & uncertainty. This ought to have been no problem to a faithful follower of Jesus, knowing that no hardship was too great to prevent service to the Master. But this man, as supposed, approached Jesus with a wrong heart, hoping for riches & recognition in Jesus' Kingdom. Jesus gave him a simple example that discipleship could mean not even an assurance of a roof over his head, let alone any other comfort or gain. The man turned away, maybe dejected that this life with Jesus was not what he expected.

The second man was a distant disciple of Jesus (i.e. not of the twelve disciples - Matthew 8:21). Jesus urged him to join them in their travels but he seemed to be happy to be a casual disciple without a commitment. So he excused himself by saying that he would follow Jesus after his father died & his responsibilities to him ceased. Jesus said that the message of the Kingdom was far more important, to leave his father & eventual burial arrangements to those who don't believe in Jesus or committed to Him.

And the third man gave a similar response to Jesus: that he wanted to follow Him but needed to say his farewells first. Again Jesus saw this man's heart & character; that he would be persuaded to remain at home for a longer time or even be persuaded not to be foolish & pursue such a life with no certainties. One who is committed to serve as a follower/believer ("putting the hand to the plough"), & then looks back (or, has second thoughts or easily distracted by others), is unfit for Kingdom life & service.