“Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand on the plough and
looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).
Jesus’ departure was
approaching fast. The time of His ministry around the sea of Galilee was coming
to an end. We read that following the mountain top experience, Jesus “resolutely
set out for Jerusalem” (Luke 9:5).
The selection time
was over: the Twelve were chosen. The basic training time was over. Time to set
out to Jerusalem.
At one point, the
shortest route would have taken them through a Samaritan village. For a “politically
correct” Jew passing through a Samaritan village/town was a no…a big no (John
). Not for Jesus. He sent a message to the village people which in effect said
two things: 1. I am ok to pass through your village 2. I don’t want to cause
any trouble.
The villagers responded,
in effect saying, “We are not ok with you passing through our village. We
appreciate the “no trouble” thought.”
Their answer was ok
with Jesus. Not with James and John.
“When the disciples
James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire
down from heaven to destroy them?” (Luke 9:54). In other words, “Let us teach
them a lesson!”
We read that Jesus
rebuked them. I wonder what the rebuke sounded like??
The big question
raised by our Scripture reading is “What makes one fit for service in God’s
kingdom?” Here, I will point to the first requirement.
A clear understanding
of the cost involved (Luke 9:57, 58)
Compared to “following
Jesus”, foxes and birds have a better life: at least they have dens and nests,
but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.
The Son of Man cannot
offer no comfort. Following Him is neither comfortable nor safe. Even today
following Jesus places many people in very uncomfortable and dangerous places.
Those who understand, will follow Him.