How does Luke 9:61 challenge our priorities in following Jesus today? Setting the Scene Luke 9:57–62 records three brief conversations between Jesus and would-be disciples. Each person voices interest in following Him, and each receives a startling reply that exposes hidden priorities. Verse 61 captures the third exchange and speaks directly to modern hearts. The Text “Still another said, ‘I will follow You, Lord; but first let me bid farewell to my family.’” (Luke 9:61) Jesus answers in the next verse: “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62) The Heart Behind the Words • The speaker calls Jesus “Lord,” signaling respect. • He pledges to follow, yet inserts a delay: “but first.” • The request sounds reasonable—saying good-bye to loved ones. • Jesus reads the deeper issue: divided allegiance. The man wants discipleship on his own terms. Key Lessons for Today 1. Immediate obedience outweighs reasonable delays. • Proverbs 3:27–28 reminds that postponing right action is disobedience in disguise. 2. Family ties, though honorable, cannot outrank Christ. • Matthew 10:37: “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me.” 3. “But first” reveals a hierarchy of values. • Anything placed before Jesus—career, comfort, plans—becomes an idol. 4. Looking back hampers forward progress. • Philippians 3:13–14 urges pressing on, forgetting what lies behind. 5. Plow imagery pictures steady, focused labor. • A crooked furrow wastes seed; a distracted disciple misrepresents the kingdom. Modern Areas Where “But First” Creeps In • Calendar overload: ministry gets the leftover minutes. • Financial goals: giving waits until “things settle.” • Relationship approval: silence about faith to keep peace. • Digital distractions: constant scrolling crowds out Scripture. • Comfort zones: reluctance to serve where hardship looms. Scriptural Reinforcements • Matthew 6:33—“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” • Luke 14:33—True discipleship demands relinquishing all. • James 4:17—Knowing the good and delaying to do it is sin. Realigning Priorities in Practice • Start each day by surrendering plans to Jesus before tasks pile up. • Evaluate recurring “but first” statements and name them honestly. • Schedule non-negotiable time for Word, prayer, fellowship, and service. • Make decisions through the filter: Will this help me keep my hand on the plow? • Invite accountability from mature believers who will notice drift. Summary Luke 9:61 exposes the subtle power of divided priorities. The text calls believers to remove every “but first,” place Christ at the top of every list, and press forward without backward glances. Wholehearted, immediate obedience proves Him worthy and frees us to plow straight furrows for the kingdom. |
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