Adventures In Missing The Point Series

In his book Mere Christianity, CS Lewis uses an illustration to note how different it is to learn something than it is to apply that thing. His illustration centered on the difference between a map and being out on the water. In two dimensions, a map can look quite straight forward. You can see various points along the way. But being out on the water, the distances have a different feel. The shoreline may have been adequately delineated on the map, but seeing it from a boat and navigating it is challenged by other factors. You see the map doesn’t point out the wind direction or speed. It doesn’t take into accounts the currents. The map doesn’t include any other boaters. Studying the map prepares you for the experience of the water, but putting knowledge into practice by navigating the waters adds complexity. Missing a point or landmark on a map is a matter of adjustment. Missing a point or landmark on the waters can get you into trouble.

I bring that up because as we’ve been studying the book of Luke, we’ve seen Jesus spending some time with his disciples, teaching them about himself and his mission. He was in essence showing them the map. But we’ve also found some moments where He has sent them out on the water alone, allowing them to test what they have learned. Today, we’ll find that there is still so much for them to learn as in practice they miss the point of what Jesus is teaching. Which is encouraging for us, because as we navigate the waters of the Christian life, we will miss the point too.

If you have your copy of Gods word, let me encourage you to open them to the passage that Alec read. Because it’s such a large section, I’m not going to re-read most of it - so having a point of reference with you will be helpful. We’ll be in Luke 9:23-62.

This morning as we walk through this text, we are not going to do so strictly sequentially like we normally would. We are beginning with a step back to reflect a bit on what it means to follow Christ and then look at the final section as they both deal with this topic of discipleship and devotion. Then we will consider a few things that Jesus reveals about Himself and His mission in several sections. Finally, we will seek to understand some of the priorities that Jesus has for us - as we navigate the waters of life as Christians.

Following Jesus requires that we first of all…

Commit to Christ Alone (23-27, 57-62)

We saw this briefly a few weeks ago, but Jesus ramps up what it means to follow Him - noting that it requires a measure of self-denial in order to truly be His disciple. This self-denial looks like daily taking up a cross or crucifying ourselves for his glory.

Now, I don’t think this is an ascetic action - one where we hurt ourselves physically - like some sects of the faith might promote, but rather a willingness to lay aside our own rights or privileges. A delight to withhold some pleasures and freedoms. It’s a new outlook on life that has as it’s aim to please Jesus.

It’s tempting for us to want to see our relationship with Christ as a means to avoid eternal judgment - a sort of fire-insurance if you will. While receiving Christ as our Savior does that, it misses the point. He is more than a transactional Savior, He is an abiding friend and guide. He is our companion through life. He is our Lord.

(possible navigating illustration from vacation)

But as we see at the conclusion of this passage (verses 57-62), Jesus discusses this commitment from the standpoint of comfort and security. Thabiti Anyabwile notes that these three people who say they want to follow Jesus seem to want some assurances.

One is looking for comfort (a place to lay his head) - to which Jesus replies that the Son of Man has no place to lay His head. Think about that for a moment, this second person of the Trinity, this One who was begotten of the Father from eternity past, this One who deserves worship laid down everything in order to serve. He is the epitome of “humility and sacrifice.” He calls those who follow Him to do the same.

The second person that Jesus addresses seems to be looking for security - presumably waiting for an inheritance as he wanted to bury his father. There is a risk for us in following Christ. The confidence that we place in riches or wealth is not guaranteed. In Kingdom economics, when we take the first 10% of our income and offer it as an act of worship to God, we ultimately force ourselves to live on less. Some will be called to go above and beyond that. Jesus does guarantee security - eternal security - but it may not look like the security that financial analysts and wealth consultants tout. What’s more, as this man is nobly waiting to bury his father, there is a time factor as well. Years and decades can pass before that burial comes. It’s not that Jesus wants us to dishonor our parents, but that following Him should take priority.