All or Nothing

All or Nothing

Luke 9:51;57-62

I think it’s fairly safe to say that we’ve all started something that demanded more of our time, more of our attention (more effort) than we’d initially anticipated. Of course, we most often realize such well after we’ve started. But, we’ve pretty much been there, right?!

Our scripture for today reminds us - and warns us - that the call to follow Jesus often requires more than we initially expected! In fact, Jesus was perfectly clear in letting his followers know... it would cost them everything to follow Him.

Jesus challenged His would-be disciples with hard truths about what it actually means to follow Him. This is not comfortable Christianity... it’s not convenient faith. It’s costly discipleship.

Jesus knew the path before him and what going to Jerusalem would bring. Suffering, betrayal, the cross. Yet He resolutely set His face toward Jerusalem. His mission was clear, and His commitment, unwavering.

Of course, following Jesus literally means walking the path He walked. It may be uncomfortable, unpopular, even painful—but it’s the Way that leads to life. The question for us: Are you and I willing to walk with Jesus, even if it leads to sacrifice?

John tells us in his gospel (6:66) that many of Jesus’ followers felt Jesus’ teachings we’re too difficult, too hard to accept... and “many turned back and no longer followed him” as a result.

In our lesson for today, an un-named man approached Jesus, saying, “I will follow You wherever You go.” Jesus replied with a reality check: “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” In other words, Jesus was saying, “Be warned... if you dare to walk in the Way of Christ, it’s not about comfort or convenience.” It’s not about health, wealth, and prosperity. It’s the WAY of the CROSS. And that means there’s a cost involved in following Christ. The cost is real.

Being a Christian is not about adding Jesus to your life—nor is it about having “a little” Jesus. It’s about surrendering your life to Christ.

Truth is... many follow Christ because they like the idea of what He can offer. Jesus even called out many for doing this very thing in John 6:26, “Jesus said, “truly I say to you, you seek me, not because of the miracles, but because you ate the loaves, and were filled.”

A would-be follower of Jesus even said, “Let me first 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.”

This response may sound harsh—but Jesus sees into the heart. What the man was actually saying was, “Jesus, after my father dies, I follow you, because I’ll receive my inheritance! I’ll be better able to afford to follow you then!” Makes better sense in that light, doesn’t it? Jesus knew the man was saying he wanted to delay following until it was more convenient.

Of course, there’s always a reason to wait. A better time. A less stressful, quieter season. But the call of Jesus is not, “Follow me later,” but “Follow me now.”

Jesus even says, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

Jesus calls to mind a farmer, plowing rows, who has to look straight ahead - because if he looks back, the furrows go crooked. You can’t plow a straight line while looking backwards.

Are you looking backwards? Old regrets, past failures, old habits and desires? Jesus says: You cannot follow Me halfway. You cannot look back.

Following Jesus means embracing a new way of life—a path of commitment, self-denial, and unwavering focus. It’s not for the faint of heart. It’s why no one can serve two masters; you can’t serve both God and mammon; you can’t be both hot and cold (lute-warm)... for broad is the path that leads to destruction, but narrow is the way that leads to life. Jesus is the Way... Do you see the pattern here? Jesus is saying, following me; is all or nothing. There is no half way... there’s no looking back.

But here’s the good news: The One who calls us is also the One who strengthens us. The One who calls us is also the One who holds us safe and keeps us unto eternal life.

Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem, resolutely! He was not distracted. He did not turn back. He went all the way to the cross—because of love for us. And now He calls you to follow Him.

Are we refusing to surrender to Christ, not just in part, but the whole of our lives?

Are we delaying obedience for a more opportune time?

Are we trying to follow Him with one eye on the past?

If so, hear His voice today: “Follow Me.” Don’t look back. Don’t delay. Step forward—and follow the Only One who will never leave us, or forsake us. Let’s follow Jesus!

Amen.