Planning The Trip

As they head out of the area, the group encounters three “would-be disciples.” The first one proclaims, “I will follow you wherever you are going !” Jesus’ response is kind of like saying to the man, “Listen, you have no idea what you are getting yourself into here. You really better stop and think about what you’re signing yourself up for.”

To the second person, Jesus simply says, “Follow me.” Evidently those two words made the man think twice about joining this little ragtime band of merry travelers. He says, “I have a few things to do first. I can’t go until my father has died, I have buried him and taken care of the family estate.” Jesus tells him, “Listen, if you really are interested in following us, you need to come now while the opportunity exists. Later may be too late.”

And the final “would-be disciple” combines something from each of the two previous “would-be disciples.” He says, “I will follow you just like my first friend said he would, but like my second friend here, I too must run home and take care of a few things before I can come along for this magical mystery tour.” Jesus’ response to this “would-be disciple” is similar to his response to the other two “would-be disciples.” Jesus says, “You can’t live your life looking back. You either come now, or you’ll never come.”

All three of these “would-be disciples” could talk the talk, but couldn’t walk the walk of discipleship. Each of them says to Jesus, “Yes! I am definitely interested. I believe in you ! I will follow you!” But as soon as they hear the cost of discipleship, they say, “Uh, maybe some other time. I’ll get back to you.” Or, “You go on ahead. I’ll catch up to you later.”

What Jesus says to all three of them is that in order to follow him, they needed to be fully committed. They couldn’t dabble a little bit here, or a little bit there with discipleship. They needed to be fully and 100% committed. A kamikaze pilot who flies 100 missions isn’t fully committed. He is just dabbling. Jesus was saying that discipleship is not a spectator sport!

Jesus was also saying telling of the radical nature of Christian discipleship and the urgent demands that it places upon the believer. He was saying that discipleship does not come without its cost. I can personally attest to the cost of discipleship.

Ten years ago I was faced with a decision. I had taken my entrance exams for law school and was in the process of applying to Suffolk University School of Law. I had received my required recommendations from the Bar and the application was filled out, ready to be sent. But there was something gnawing at my bones. It was the call to discipleship, to serve God in ordained ministry.

I came up with my long list of “buts” and pleaded with God. “But… it will take me too long. But… I’m not sure if I’m cut out for it. But… what about the cost. It just doesn’t make sense God ! I’ll go to seminary, it will cost me about $32,000.00 for my degree and then I will get a job making one third of my salary in the business world ! What’s wrong with this picture God !”