Discipleship in 3-D!  (Luke 9:57-62)                                                                         2009.08.09       Dr. George Fox

Luke 9:57-62 tells the story of three “would-be” disciples, who stand in stark contrast to the demands of discipleship that Jesus requires.  Jesus sifted the crowds (Luke 14:25-34) that followed him with challenges that “you cannot be My disciple unless…”

Discipleship without Delusion (Luke 9:57-58): The man approached Jesus and gave a carte-blanche statement, “I will follow you, Jesus, wherever you go.”  This man is a scribe, a thinking man who held a high position in society.  When he gives this impressive statement of devotion, it may appear to be a non-sequitor when Jesus replies, “Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”  The abrupt response shows that Jesus saw right through the scribe – he was trying to maintain his position in society, while attempting to impress Jesus in case he were a leader of a new regime.  The scribe wanted to “butter his bread on both sides”.  So the unusual response from Jesus means that disciples must divest themselves of the dreamy notion that the Christian life will always be “hunky dory”.  No, followers of Jesus cannot even be guaranteed the essentials of shelter and provision.

Discipleship without Delay (Luke 9:59-60): Jesus says to another man, “Follow me.”  But he said, “First let me bury my father.”  At first, the man’s response may appear to be a reasonable one.  However, the response is actually an idiom that conveys the meaning of “I want to get what’s coming first.”  It is indefinite procrastination, to wait for a convenient or advantageous opportunity.  So the statement from Jesus, “Let the dead bury their own dead” is an apt response to the specious argument.  Are you “interested in” serving our Lord?  We often procrastinate and make excuses while remaining “interested” in serving: I’m too young, wait until I get married, my job is busy, it’s expensive raising children… TODAY is the day!  The church is full of laymen, who are named as such because they just “lay there!” – they don’t do anything.  You will die “interested” unless you take action.

Discipleship without Dishonor (Luke 9:61-62): The next man says, “I will follow you, Lord, but…”  These words cannot be in the same sentence.  Jesus is either Lord of all or he’s not Lord at all.  Sheep follow, and goats “but”!  This was an irresolute disciple – he had two hearts two minds, two wills – he wanted to follow Christ and stay in touch with earthly pleasures.  A disciple cannot be in two places because it would be like straddling two horses traveling in two directions.  Jesus warns that a person who looks back at his “old self” is not fit for the kingdom of heaven.

Where do we stand?  I want to conclude with this story.  Satan recently convened a worldwide convention of demons.  In his opening address, he declared, “We cannot keep Christians from going to church or reading their Bibles, although we can distract them.  We must hinder and weaken their relationship with Jesus Christ.  Keep them B-U-S-Y, Bound Under Satan’s Yoke.  Keep Christians occupied with the nonessentials of life, and invent strategies to crowd their minds.  Tempt them to spend and borrow so it leads to work.  Persuade them that only by working long hours can they afford to maintain their lavish lifestyles.  Keep them from spending time with their children.  They will have no relief, as their homes will become places of pressure, just like their work.  Show beautiful models everywhere, so that outward beauty will become more alluring, and husbands will become dissatisfied with their wives.  Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands, and multiply their headaches.  Overstimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice.  Entice them to turn on music whenever they drive.  Cause music to blare from every store and restaurant.  Invade quiet moments with billboards and neon lights.  Keep their TVs, DVDs, CDs and PCs going constantly.  Fill their homes with colorful magazines and newspapers.  Flood their mailboxes.  Make sure even their recreation is exhausting.  When they try to break away from the rush and pressure, guide them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies – away from the open spaces and the glory of God’s creation.  Crowd their lives with good causes and they will have no time or energy to seek guidance and power from Jesus.  Then they will be worshiping in their own strength.  Their fellowship will degenerate into small talk.  Their prayers will be self-centered.  Their consciences will be guilt-ridden, and they will have no incentive to speak out for their Lord.”  “Excellent plan!” cried the demons with delight, “It will work!”  So they left to eagerly implement Satan’s plan.

You be the judge.  Is the plan working?