Read: Luke 9:37-62

By: Pastor Jarren Rogers

“It never cost a disciple anything to follow Jesus; to talk about cost when you are in love with anyone is an insult” – Oswald Chambers

Follow me.

The two words spoken to a man at the end of chapter 9. Two words that seemed to be an easy thing for those who first heard them. Yet, these two words carry such weight, such responsibility, such authority, that they should not be taken flippantly.

The first man:

“‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head’” (Luke 9:57-58).

This will not be an easy thing. This is serious business. We aren’t going on a tropical vacation. The way isn’t easy and the road is difficult. There will be no worldly gain. Christ’s path did not end in luxury but instead ended at the cross.

Lay down your motives, lay down your selfishness. If you truly desire to follow me, then come.

The second man:

“He said to another man, ‘Follow me.’ But he replied, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father’ Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’” (Luke 9:59-60).

There is no greater call then what I am calling you to right now. Follow me. There is nothing better. There is nothing more important. There is nothing more pressing. This, that I have called you to takes precedence over all else.

Lay down your responsibilities. Lay down your plans. If you truly desire to follow me, then come.

The third man:

“Still another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.’ Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God’” (Luke 9:61-62).

You cannot look back. You cannot go back. Once you do my work, once you follow my call, you’re in. There’s no going back. I will take you places you never imagined. I will work in and through you. I will work all things together for you’re good. But you mustn’t look back. Stick with me. Hold fast to me.

Lay down your past. Lay down your regrets. If you truly desire to follow me, then come.

Following Christ is risky business. It won’t always be easy. Sometimes it can be difficult. He may take you places you don’t want to go. Taking up one’s cross is never easy.

But there are four words, that if we pray them out of a sincere heart, God will move us, use us, change us, mold us, shape us, and support us. There are four words that if prayed sincerely will lead us to the center of God’s will and that is the best place you can be. Four words:

I will follow you.