The account of the Three Would-Be Followers is found in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 9:57-62. This passage presents a series of interactions between Jesus and three individuals who express a desire to follow Him. Each encounter highlights the cost and commitment required to be a true disciple of Christ.

Context and Setting

The narrative occurs as Jesus and His disciples are traveling toward Jerusalem. This journey is significant as it marks Jesus' resolute movement toward His impending crucifixion, underscoring the gravity and urgency of His mission. The encounters with the three would-be followers serve as a teaching moment for both the disciples and the readers of the Gospel.

The First Would-Be Follower

The first individual approaches Jesus with a bold declaration: "I will follow You wherever You go" (Luke 9:57). Jesus responds with a statement that reveals the reality of discipleship: "Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head" (Luke 9:58). This response emphasizes the transient and sacrificial nature of following Christ. Unlike the comforts and securities of worldly life, discipleship may require a willingness to embrace uncertainty and hardship.

The Second Would-Be Follower

The second encounter involves Jesus extending an invitation: "Follow Me" (Luke 9:59). The individual replies, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father" (Luke 9:59). Jesus' reply, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:60), underscores the urgency and priority of the Kingdom of God. This interaction highlights the necessity of placing Christ above familial obligations and societal expectations. The call to follow Jesus demands immediate and undivided allegiance.

The Third Would-Be Follower

The third individual expresses a desire to follow Jesus but requests permission to first bid farewell to his family: "I will follow You, Lord; but first let me bid farewell to my family" (Luke 9:61). Jesus responds, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). This metaphor of plowing a field illustrates the need for steadfast focus and commitment. Looking back or being distracted by past ties can hinder one's dedication to the mission of the Kingdom.

Theological Implications

The encounters with the three would-be followers serve as a profound teaching on the cost of discipleship. Jesus' responses challenge potential followers to consider the depth of their commitment. The passage underscores the necessity of prioritizing the Kingdom of God above personal comfort, social obligations, and familial ties. It calls believers to a radical reorientation of their lives, where allegiance to Christ takes precedence over all else.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, the account of the Three Would-Be Followers serves as a reminder of the demands of true discipleship. It encourages self-examination regarding one's priorities and willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. The passage invites Christians to reflect on their own commitment to Christ and challenges them to live with an eternal perspective, fully devoted to the mission of proclaiming the Kingdom of God.