The Cost of Following Jesus

January 26, 2026

Theological Summary

Key insights and takeaways from the text.

Luke 9:57-62 presents a series of encounters that vividly underscore the radical and unconditional demands of discipleship. The central message is an unequivocal call to prioritize following Jesus above all earthly comforts, familial obligations, and personal attachments. Jesus challenges superficial expressions of commitment, revealing that true discipleship requires a costly, all-encompassing dedication to the Kingdom of God. This passage reveals that Jesus is not looking for casual followers, but individuals willing to surrender everything for His sake and His mission. It is a powerful examination of the heart's true allegiances. Key theological concepts woven through these interactions include the profound cost of discipleship, the absolute priority of the Kingdom of God, and the necessity of unwavering focus in sanctification. When Jesus states, "Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head," He exposes the myth of a comfortable faith, inviting potential followers into a life of dependence on God rather than worldly security. This redefines one's identity; a disciple's security is found solely in Christ, not in possessions or stability. The command to "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God" is a startling declaration that elevates the urgency of God's mission above even the most sacred cultural duties. It highlights the divine call to mission as a non-negotiable priority, implying that spiritual life and eternal matters far outweigh temporal responsibilities. The final encounter about putting one's hand to the plow without looking back emphasizes the theme of perseverance and wholehearted commitment, signifying that the process of sanctification involves a consistent, forward-looking pursuit of God's will, free from the distractions of a former life or worldly comforts. For Christians today, the practical application of this passage is profoundly challenging and transformative. It compels believers to honestly evaluate their priorities: what comforts, securities, or relationships might be subtly (or overtly) taking precedence over Jesus? Am I making excuses for delaying obedience to God's call in my life, whether it's a call to serve, to share my faith, or to sacrifice a personal desire? This scripture demands wholehearted commitment, urging us not to hold anything back from God and to resist the temptation to look back at what we might be leaving behind. It calls us to an immediate, radical embrace of our God-given mission, reminding us that the work of proclaiming the Kingdom of God is urgent and requires our undivided attention. This challenges believers to live lives of focused purpose, continually aligning their desires and actions with God's will. Ultimately, this passage powerfully points to the sovereign character and radical work of God. Jesus, as the Son of Man, embodies God's authority to make such absolute demands on His followers. His words reveal a God who is passionately focused on the expansion of His Kingdom and who calls His people to be fully invested in this divine mission. It speaks to God's holiness, demanding an exclusive and unreserved devotion that sets believers apart from the world's values. While the passage speaks of earthly sacrifice and discomfort, it implicitly reassures us of God's ultimate provision and the profound value of the eternal rewards that come from faithful, radical obedience. God's work is not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to commit everything to Him, trusting that He is worthy of such devotion.

Scripture

Luke 9:57-62

Old Testament Connections

1 Kings 19:20-21 (NIV)
"Elisha left his oxen and ran after Elijah. 'Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,' he said, 'and then I will come with you.' 'Go back,' Elijah replied. 'What have I done to you?' So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and give it to the people, and they ate it. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant."

Both passages emphasize the radical commitment required for divine service, necessitating a decisive break from former lives and familial attachments. However, Jesus's words in Luke intensify this demand beyond Elisha's precedent, highlighting an even more immediate and uncompromising priority of the Kingdom of God that supersedes all other obligations.

Genesis 19:17 (NIV)
"As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, "Flee for your lives! Don't look back, and don't stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!""

Both passages emphasize the necessity of decisive and undivided commitment when responding to a divine call, warning against the dangers of looking back or clinging to past attachments. Jesus' teaching in Luke 9:57-62 echoes the urgent command in Genesis 19:17, underscoring that complete separation from earthly distractions is crucial for those serving God's kingdom.

A Moment of Prayer

A prayer inspired by today's topic.

Dear Lord, I reflect today on the cost of truly following You. It's easy to say 'yes,' but harder to embrace the sacrifice, the self-denial, and the challenges that come with Your path. Grant me the courage and strength to count the cost, and still choose You above all else. Help me to remember that Your grace is always sufficient, and the eternal reward far outweighs any earthly price. Amen.

Historical Context

The world behind the Word.

The Gospel of Luke, from which this passage (9:57-62) is drawn, was likely authored by Luke, a Gentile physician and companion of the Apostle Paul. He was not an eyewitness to Jesus' earthly ministry, but meticulously gathered information from various sources, including earlier written accounts like Mark and Q, as well as oral traditions. His intended audience was primarily Gentile, particularly Theophilus, a patron of high social standing. Luke's aim was to provide an 'orderly account' (Luke 1:3) of Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection, emphasizing the universal scope of salvation, Jesus' compassion for the marginalized, his consistent prayer life, and the empowering role of the Holy Spirit. The Gospel is generally dated between 70-90 CE, after the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 CE, but before the widespread persecution under Domitian, allowing for the integration of post-70 CE theological reflections. The political and social climate of Judea and Galilee during Jesus' ministry was complex and often volatile. While Galilee, where much of Jesus' early ministry took place, was under the client rule of Herod Antipas, Judea was directly governed by Roman procurators (e.g., Pontius Pilate). This meant the pervasive presence of Roman authority, taxation, and legions, which fueled resentment among many Jews who yearned for liberation. Jewish society was stratified, with a wealthy priestly aristocracy aligned with the Romans, and a large peasant class struggling under economic burdens. Various factions, from the conservative Pharisees to the revolutionary Zealots, vied for influence and offered differing visions for Israel's future, often in tension with Roman rule and each other. The cultural and religious landscape was dominated by Jewish traditions, centered on the Torah, Temple worship in Jerusalem, and local synagogue life. However, these traditions existed alongside significant Hellenistic (Greek) influences that had permeated the region since the time of Alexander the Great. Greek was the lingua franca, and cities like Sepphoris and Tiberias in Galilee exhibited strong Hellenistic characteristics. Messianic expectations were fervent but diverse; many anticipated a political, Davidic king who would overthrow Roman oppression, while Jesus consistently reinterpreted the Messiah's role as one of suffering service. Luke, writing for a Gentile audience, often highlights aspects of Jesus' ministry that would resonate with a broader Greco-Roman world, such as universalism and social justice. This specific passage from Luke 9:57-62 occurs within Luke's extensive 'travel narrative' (Luke 9:51 - 19:27), which depicts Jesus' resolute journey towards Jerusalem, the place of his crucifixion. The geographical setting is 'along the road,' signifying the itinerant and demanding nature of Jesus' ministry and the call to discipleship. This journey likely involved traversing regions like Samaria, known for its deep-seated animosity with Judea and Galilee, underscoring the challenges and social barriers Jesus faced. The 'road' itself is a powerful metaphor for the immediate, radical, and unyielding commitment Jesus demanded from his followers, contrasting sharply with the settled life and conventional responsibilities expected by society. It emphasizes that following Jesus means a complete reordering of priorities, leaving behind conventional family obligations and security, to embrace the urgent mission of proclaiming the Kingdom of God.

Sermons
2 Found

David Platt - Three Questions from Luke - Luke 9:57-62

Southeastern Seminary

Are You In or Out? | Luke 9:57–62 | Our Daily Bread Video Devotional

Our Daily Bread Ministries