Luke 9:51–62 - 51 When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined to go to Jerusalem; 52 and He sent messengers on ahead of Him, and they went and entered a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. 53 But they did not receive Him, because He was traveling toward Jerusalem. 54 When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 55 But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; 56 for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” And they went on to another village. 57 As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” 59 And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” 60 But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.” 61 Another also said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.” 62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” What does today’s passage say? In today's passage, Jesus resolutely perseveres toward Jerusalem (v. 51). He sent some people ahead to prepare for His arrival in a Samaritan village, but the inhabitants rejected hosting Him because they knew Jesus was going to Jerusalem (vv. 52-53). James and John were indignant, asking if Jesus wanted them to bring fiery judgment on those people, but He rebuked them. Some translations of the Bible say that he rebuked them because He came to save men, not destroy them (vv. 54-56a). As a result, they traveled on to another village (v. 56b). On the way, a person approaches Jesus saying that he would follow Jesus anywhere. Jesus told Him that birds and foxes have a place to shelter but that He had none (vv. 57-58). Jesus invites another man to follow Him. The man is willing but first wants to bury his father, but Jesus said attending to spiritual matters must take priority (vv. 59-60). Another man tells Jesus that he wanted to return home to say goodbye to his family first. Jesus emphasized that undivided commitment was required to serve God’s kingdom (vv. 61-62). How can I apply Luke 9:51-62 to my life? As Jesus relentlessly marched toward Jerusalem to complete His earthly mission of dying for our sins, nothing could deter Him from obedience to the Father and achieving His ultimate purpose. Though He clearly foresaw the agony of the cross, Jesus steadfastly fixed His face toward His destination of glorifying God through His sacrifice. This passage reveals key attitudes Jesus exemplified that enabled Him to unwaveringly pursue God’s will for His life, despite tremendous cost. As Christ’s followers, we must mirror His resolute determination to accomplish the Father’s purposes in our lives no matter what suffering that involves, what relationships that costs, or what comforts that requires sacrificing. We too must finish the race with endurance, allowing nothing to impede us from becoming more like Jesus. That demands we persevere through hardship, extend grace when rejected because of our faith, and elevate intimacy with Christ above all other pursuits. Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:
Persevere in God’s Call on Your Life No Matter the Cost(v. 51): Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem, determined to fulfill God's purpose despite the suffering awaiting Him there. We too must remain unwavering in answering our divine call, no matter the sacrifice. When following God’s path for your life costs comfort, security, relationships, or requires persevering through hardship, continue pressing on steadfastly toward the eternal prize. Keep progressing toward your heavenly destination, no matter what you must endure along the way. Avoid distractions that deter you from finishing the race strong. Stay focused on becoming more like Christ through life's trials. Keep an eternal perspective, knowing this world is temporary but heaven's glory awaits all who faithfully walk the path God called them to, willing to suffer for His name. Fix your eyes on Jesus and confidently follow Him wholeheartedly today and each day, wherever He leads, no matter the cost (Philippians 3:12-14; Hebrews 10:32-39, Hebrews 12:1-3; 2 Timothy 4:7-8).
Food for thought: What specific distractions hinder your persistence in answering God’s call? How can remembering heaven fuel your endurance when you face difficulty obeying Christ?
Show Grace Even When Rejected(vv. 52-56): When a Samaritan village rejected Jesus, His disciples wanted to punish them severely. But Jesus rebuked this vengeful spirit, refusing to retaliate. We too must extend grace to those who oppose the gospel. When sharing biblical truth offends people and incites backlash, refrain from indignation or judgment, as difficult as that may be. Ask God to soften resistant hearts through your gentle, patient witness. Forgive persecutors and doubters, blessing them rather than attacking them. Leave room for God’s mercy to overcome hostility. As Christ’s ambassadors, speak truth with love while allowing the Spirit to transform minds. Some will only turn to Jesus after observing grace under fire. So, remain compassionate toward unbelievers, that your kindness may lead them to repentance (Proverbs 15:1; Romans 12:14-21; 1 Peter 3:15-16; 2 Timothy 2:24-26).
Food for thought: Do you tend to get angry at unbelievers who mock or oppose your faith? What impact might responding in grace and humility have on them?
True Discipleship Requires Radical Commitment(vv. 57-62): Jesus encountered three volunteers eager to follow Him, yet when He described the sacrifices required, they offered excuses rooted in other priorities. We too can allow lesser pursuits to displace our devotion to Christ. But Jesus deserves first place above every priority. Postponing unreserved obedience damages our capacity to follow Him wholeheartedly. Even beneficial pursuits become obstacles when they consistently prevent surrendering fully to God’s will. If anything rivals Jesus’ Lordship, closely examine whether that reflects distorted priorities. We must forsake any hindrance preventing us from pursuing intimacy with Christ above all else. Make time daily to abide in God’s presence through prayer and Scripture meditation. Realign schedules and habits to uplift Christ's supremacy. Then when He calls you to radical acts of devotion, you’ll joyfully obey. For true disciples gladly relinquish everything to walk in close fellowship with the Master, willing even to sacrifice dreams, comforts, and security to gain more of Jesus (Luke 14:25-27, 33; Philippians 3:8-10; Romans 8:12-17).
Food for thought: Do other priorities displace your devotion to Christ? What might need changing to elevate intimacy with Jesus over lesser pursuits? As Jesus single-mindedly marched toward the cross, He models the attitude of resolute purpose we too must adopt. Despite the tremendous cost of obeying the Father’s will, Jesus persevered, extending grace when rejected and elevating wholehearted devotion to God above all else. May we mirror His undivided commitment to accomplishing our divine purpose. When we falter, get distracted, grow weary or fear suffering loss, reflect again upon Christ’s willingness to sacrifice worldly treasure and even familial affection to redeem lost humanity through the cross. Keeping eternity in view, let us run with endurance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus as we press on toward the goal of glorifying our Father. Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that You would give me the grace to persevere in Your call on my life no matter what it costs me. When I face rejection because of my faith, help me to show grace and leave judgment to You. I ask that You give me undivided devotion to You above all my other duties or dreams. Realign my priorities to make seeking You my first priority daily. I long to bring You glory by playing my role in Your kingdom purposes. I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Luke 9:62 - But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” With His Blessings, Pastor Corby
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