The man in verse 57 is like many - verbally he communicates commitment but Jesus clarifies what is involved in following him. I think verse 23 is strategically placed in the middle of the chapter as the main point and this verse brings us back to that focus. "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."
"the Son of man has no place to lay his head." We're all looking for security. Most are looking for security in the portfolio. Many find security in their friends and family. Many churches find security in their building 0r dynamic ministries plans. Jesus has already shown us where his security lies - simply in His father. His father has just shown up to affirm him for his faithfulness through his transfiguration.
"bury my father" wow this looks harsh but many commentators look at the customs of the times and believe the young man is not asking to wait a few days for the funeral process to be complete but he's asking Jesus if he can wait around until his father finally dies some day - then he will bury him. In others - he doesn't want to leave his family. God has said that a man will leave his father and mother to be united to his wife. Following Jesus requires no less commitment.
I have a friend who became a Christian against his parents wishes and experienced much rejection. They took his vehicle away and stopped helping with college. They didn't talk to him much for the first year. Would you follow Jesus if it cost your family?
Verse 62 gets right to the point. Oaths have lost so much meaning in our country. We say one thing do another. We make promises that we never tend to keep. We sign contracts we don't honor. When we stand in front of a congregation and say "Jesus is my Lord" it needs to be understood what is being said. We are turning the rights to run every area of our life over to the Lord - there is no looking back!
questions
1) rate your commitment level to Jesus on a scale 1-10 (10 being willing to die for him)
2) what habits, practices and characteristics of your life prove your commitment?
3) can you follow Jesus into the unknown where the Father is your only security or do you have to know every detail before you set out on the journey? Clearly this passage say - get on a Journey with God. - It doesn't mean - leave your brain at the door but the Lord is always wanting to lead us out of our comfort zone - into the unknown - so He can truly prove - HE IS GOD!
prayer
Father we want to have the faith to leave whatever security behind to follow you. We're a rich nation obsessed with our stuff, relationships and security. Father we want to be obsessed with you! Lead us into the unknown to become the people of your hearts desire.
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