The Gospel of Luke 14:25-33 Now large crowds were traveling with Jesus; and he turned and said to them, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, `This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.”
Let us Pray: Gracious Father, teach us what true discipleship is. By your Spirit, give us the faith and steadfastness to bear its cost. Thank you for so clearly setting before us the way of blessing and curse, of life and death. Thank you for the grace to choose the life you offer through the death and resurrection of your Son. This we pray in your Name, Amen.
Jesus is still at the banquet table of the “ruler of the synagogue,” including their friends, the lawyers, and assorted important people in the community. Jesus then turns to a story to establish the central concern of his teaching at table now: that concern will be that the call of God will necessitate the rejection of anything and anyone that can stand in the way of the acceptance of that call. This isn’t a call to literal hatred, but a blunt way of expressing that loyalty to Christ must surpass all other attachments, even the most sacred ones. It’s a reordering of love, where Jesus becomes the center from which all other relationships evolve from. Remember first and foremost, Jesus must be first in our lives. However, Jesus also wants us to love and care deeply for our family, our friends and for the world community. Today we should strive to love and respect each person we encounter including the person we pass in the grocery store, a co-worker who is struggling, or it may be an individual we simply do not like. The quality of love that Jesus hopes we will have for one another surpasses the simple notion of liking another person. Rather, Jesus hopes that we truly will love every person in our world. This may sound impossible. However, with Jesus’ grace and love, we have the ability to do this. The question for each of us may be: will we choose to do this? To do this as disciples isn’t a casual decision. It demands full commitment. Discipleship isn’t just about enduring hardship, it’s about embracing a life of self-denial, humility, and service. The cross represents not only suffering but also transformation and a deliberate, lifelong journey. Our attachment to worldly things is a big obstacle in deepening our relationship with God. Jesus is calling each one of use to be attached to Him and to be detached from the world. For it is only in letting go of these attachments that we can be able to fully experience the peace and joy that Jesus offers. While the call to discipleship is open to everyone, many people find it too costly. Many are too afraid to venture into the world of God’s light because they have become accustomed to the world of darkness. Perhaps going into battle with the forces of sin is too much for them. They are already “at peace” with their sinful way of living. And he goes on with more hard choices. “Whoever does not bear one’s own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple” Luke says “bear the cross emphasizing the continuous need for choice of the way of the cross The central point is clear: all other claims on a person’s life must be rethought when it comes to the call of God. Hard choices must be made! If one tries to have it both ways, desiring possessions and friends to the exclusion of the kingdom’s demands, one will become like “salt without taste,” fit for nothing, tossed out.
Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, You did not soften the call to follow You. You spoke truth to the crowds, knowing that many would turn away. Teach me to count the cost—not with fear, but with faith. Help me release what binds me: possessions, pride, comfort, and control. May I carry my cross with courage, and walk the narrow road with love, mercy, and justice. Let my life reflect Your radical grace, and may my discipleship bear fruit in service to others. Amen.
Reflections by Bob 