We are called to be disciple of Jesus Christ. What means it to others and us? It means it is not a easy thing, its costs us our whole life. It means commitment to Jesus and commitment to His Church and to its growth. In another word, it costs something to us.
In a Children’s’ message, a pastor asked the children, “Why your parents do not buy things that you want?” One little girl said, “ Because they can’t afford it.” In fact, as we red from today’s Gospel and Old Testament readings, it is all about it. The question for us to consider is, “Are you willing to pay the price?” In other words, are you willing to afford it?”
First Principle is “Do not expect Great Rewards.”
Many immigrants from India want to become pastors after they got here. Why? They think, “ it is a Christian country, if I become a pastor and preach a sermon in a church, I will be rewarded and will be given more money than other jobs. Because we heard from the pastors, who visited U.S and Briton that, if they preach messages in churches they were given good money and people respected them well.
From the response of Jesus, we understand that this man expected a great reward by following Jesus. Jesus knows each one heart. So Jesus told him that, the foxes have dens, and the birds of the heaven have roosting places, but the Son of Man has no place which He can call His own. If that is the Master’s position, the disciples can hardly expect more. So dear friends, by becoming the disciples of Jesus we will get nothing. The first principle is, do not expect a great reward by following Jesus in this world. What kind of rewards Paul, Peter, James and John got from this world? Nothing but sufferings and deaths.
Second Principle is “Deny your family.”
If you are a true disciple of Jesus Christ, the first priority is to Jesus not to your family. How many of you agree that?
When I was in India, my Bishop asked to go some please to preach the Word of God. When I started to go, my wife admitted in the hospital to give birth to my first-born. I was in a dilemma, shall I say excuse to the Lord because of my family. I know it was a great test for me. Whom shall I give first priority, to my family or to the Lord? I told to my wife, that I have to go do the Lord’s work. She didn’t say a word. I prayed to the Lord, “Lord I will give you first priority and You will take care of my family.” When I returned my wife gave a birth both mom and baby were healthy. It is a gift from God; my daughter’s name is Eva.
This man said to Jesus, “Let me go and do my duty to my family in the first place.” Jesus said in Luke 14:26, “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.” “Let the dead take care of their dead ones. You go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” The second principle is: renouncing your family and give first place to God and His Kingdom.
The Third and Final Principle is Do not step back
The third instance is somewhat similar to the second in its request, but Jesus’ response provokes different thoughts. “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” No one is plowing his or her field by looking back. She or he should hold firmly the plow and look straightforward. Have you ever tried to mow your lawn a straight track while looking behind you? It is impossible. Yet, so often we do in the church saying that, “Look back to the glories days of our congregation. Remember then when we had a huge congregation… Remember those days… We always are looking back and willing to go forward.
Are you willing to afford to pay price for the disciple of Christ? Those days His disciple did not really understand the price of discipleship. James and John said, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” Their attitude is to destroy people who do not accept Jesus. Can we call fire from heaven to destroy people who do not attend the church worship today? No. We should bring Jesus Christ to people and people to Christ.
Conclusion
There is a cost to living as a Christian, you know! In each of these three instances, Jesus challenged people to break out of their easy mode and make a commitment to follow Him. What about us? Are we willing to be challenged? Are we willing to respond?
Think about our Lord. He willingly gave up His life so that you and I would be heirs of heaven, so that eternal life could be ours. He took no shortcuts but did everything necessary to earn our salvation. He paid the cost of salvation with His body and blood.
Is ministry easy? NO. It takes energy, effort, risk. People come to me and say, “Pastor, I’m really struggling right now to live as a Christian.” My response is, “ Good. I’m glad to hear that!” Moreover, I continued, “If you were not struggling to live out your faith, you are not His disciple, living as a true disciple of Christ is not easy. It involves a cost.