Luke 14:25-27 (NIV) Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters–yes, even his own life–he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
Being a disciple of Jesus is a costly affair, and Jesus never glossed over that fact. He desperately wanted everyone to follow Him, but He wanted them to know what they were getting into before they signed on. There was absolutely no bait and switch with Him.
Jesus started out with the defining relationships in a person’s life: father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters. If a person is unwilling to turn away from even these precious people and follow Jesus, they cannot be His disciple. This sounds as harsh to modern ears as it did to those to whom Jesus was speaking. But there is a vital truth here. As a follower of Jesus, especially if those in our family are not, there will inevitably come a time when a decision will have to be made to choose one side or the other, to follow Jesus, or turn away to satisfy our family. Before that day arrives, followers of Jesus must decide that they will follow Him, even if that means alienation from those closest to us.
Jesus next points out that to be a disciple of Jesus, a person must put his or her allegiance to Jesus ahead of their own life. This is much easier said than done, as Peter found out the night he denied knowing Jesus three times out of fear that the mere acknowledgement of knowing Him might bring him to harm. Ultimately Peter would lay down his life for the cause of Christ, but it would take the resurrection and being filled with the Holy Spirit before he got there.
Then, just when we thought that Jesus had taken it to the ultimate degree of commitment, being willing to suffer and die for the sake of Jesus, He upped the ante one more time. Each of those who become His disciple must willingly carry our own cross and follow Him. These days, carrying a cross has come to mean trials and troubles. But for those listening to Jesus it meant only one thing: a slow, agonizing death. To follow Jesus actually entails willingly leading the way to one’s own death to the world, and sometimes to physical death.
Few people these days tell people about these costs involved in becoming a Christian as part of their gospel presentation. Some believe that it is unnecessary, because so few people, especially in Europe and America, have to choose between following Jesus and dying, or denying Him and living. But the fact is, there are many who choose to follow Jesus that will have to choose between following Jesus and their families at some point There are many that, if they are serious about following Jesus, will have to choose between their personal hopes and dreams, and the calling of the kingdom. And they need to be told about that day at the outset, as Jesus did, or that day will catch them unaware.
Father, following Jesus really is a calling that takes up our whole life, and that lays exclusive claim to our entire future. Every day calls for dozens of small deaths to self, to self-determination, to autonomy. And some days call for large deaths! Paul knew that when he urged the Roman Christians to offer themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). Help me to willingly follow You, wherever Your path for me may lead. Amen.