Reading: Luke chapter 9 verses 51-62:
Quote:
• One wit has written:
• “A dentist’s mistake is pulled out,
• A lawyer’s mistake is imprisoned.
• A teacher’s mistake is failed,
• A printer’s mistake is corrected.
• A pharmacist’s mistake is buried.
• A postman’s mistake is forwarded.
• An electrician’s mistake could be shocking!”
Quote:
• The novelist Joseph Conrad who wrote:
• “It’s only those who do nothing that make no mistakes”.
Quote: Richard Needham
“Strong people make as many mistakes as weak people. Difference is that strong people admit their mistakes, laugh at them, learn from them. That is how they become strong”.
Our passage this evening is full of people making mistakes:
• Verses 51-56:
• The Samaritan’s make the mistake of rejecting Jesus.
• The disciples (James & John) make a mistake in their response to that situation.
• Verses 57-62:
• We meet three more people;
• Who mistake what it means to truly follow Jesus!
(1). The Samaritans:
• At times we forget how important Luke’s contribution is to the New Testament.
• When you add together Luke’s gospel and his other book – Acts;
• You are looking at about 25% of the New Testament.
• Luke 9 verses 51 -56 is unique to this gospel - none of the other writers mention it
• In fact much of the teaching in the second half of Luke’s gospel;
• Is unique to his gospel.
Verse 51 is a kind of transition verse:
• Up to this point Jesus has been busy performing incredible miracles;
• But from now on the emphasis will change to his incredible teaching
• From this point on very few miracles are recorded;
• From now on Jesus is busy teaching his followers about the kingdom of God;
(1). Jesus: Undeterred (vs 51).
“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem”.
• Earlier on in this chapter (verse 31):
• At the incident we call the transfiguration (looked at 2 weeks ago).
• Moses and Elijah appeared to Jesus and there was some sort of discussion;
• Regarding his death, his departure or exodus at Jerusalem.
• Luke now speaks of his ascension;
• Luke sets the journey of Jesus in a cosmic context;
• By telling us that the time for Jesus 'to be taken up to heaven' was approaching.
• Luke is seeing the cross, resurrection and ascension almost as a single act.
• Death would not be an accident or a mistake, it was all part of a plan.
• Luke reminds us that after the cross there would be a coronation!
Now with only about six months left of his earthly life;
• Jesus deliberately sets out to initiate the circumstances which would lead to that death!
• Quote: “He was not driven by events but a shaper of events. “
In verse 51 Jesus was moved with resolution, determination and courage.
• There was something very steely about the character of Jesus.
• He was not preoccupied with preserving his own life.
• He was focussed, determined, single minded on doing the Father’s will;
• Even if that meant a horrendous death in Jerusalem.
• And in obeying his Father’s will;’
• He would be undeterred by people’s opinions and undeterred by adverse circumstances.
Notice:
• There is an urgency about this section.
• Jesus is constantly on the move;
• In a series of rapid-fire encounters with disciples and would-be disciples.
• The journey to Jerusalem begins (verse 51);
• And is reinforced by words that suggest movement:
• 'Heading' (verse 53), 'walking' (verse 57), 'follow' (verses 57-61).
With steely determination (that is the force of the word rendered 'resolutely' in verse 51):
• He strikes out southwards from Galilee to the capital Jerusalem.
• Jesus is moving out of the area where he is well known into Samaritan territory
(2). Samaritan village: Unwelcoming (vs 52-53):
“And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him;
53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem”.
Question: Who were the Samaritans?
Answer: In Jewish eyes the Samaritans were half-breeds, ethnic traitors, the bad guys!
(a).
• Samaria was originally the name for the capital of the Northern Kingdom;
• Founded by Omri (1 Kings chapter 16 verses 21-24.
• After King Solomon died civil war took place;
• And the nation was divided, Israel to the north, Judea to the south.
• During this time the Samaritans intermarried with other peoples in the region.
• They were consided half-breeds, ethnic traitors, the bad guys!
(b).
• They even worshipped at a different site,
• Instead of Jerusalem they worshipped on Mount Gerizim (John 4:20-24).
(c).
• They had different scriptures;
• The Samaritans only recognized the Torah, the Pentateuch (5 books) as inspired.
(d).
• Traditionally Jews and Samaritans were hostile to one another.
• At the time of Jesus that hostility had turned into hatred.
• That would soon be illustrated by Jesus in the parable of the Good Samaritan.
• e.g. Honest thief, or a peaceful aggressor.
To Jesus the Samaritans were not the bad guys:
• Remember in John chapter 4 he broke social customs of his day;
• To speak with a Samaritan woman.
• I have mentioned the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
• Where the hero was the Samaritan not the Jew.
• In chapter 17 (vs 11-19) Luke alone tells us of the ten lepers Jesus healed,
• Only one of whom came back to say thank you- - and he was a Samaritan.
On this occasion:
• Luke tells us it was ‘some’ Samaritans;
• Samaritans from one particular village that rejected Jesus.
• Question: Why they rejected him?
• Answer: Verse 52.
• “He was just passing through on his way to Jerusalem”
• Because Jesus wasn't stopping at THEIR capitol.
• Remember I mentioned that Samaritans didn't worship in Jerusalem;
• Or look to the Jewish capital for anything.
• By focusing on Jerusalem; Jesus who was accepted more in the north than the south;
• Is showing them that he wasn't 'one of them', and so he wasn't welcome!
(3) The disciples: uncaring: (vs 54):
“When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?”
• James and John (Nickname was ‘Sons of thunder’ ill: leather jackets with it on!
• James and John think it's time for judgment.
• After all, they are followers of the king, the Messiah.
• If people reject him, they should be punished;
• Especially if they are Samaritans!
• Remember these disciples had grown up and been influenced with Jewish prejudices.
Ill:
• Many think that James and John are thinking back to the story of Elijah.
• Remember that just a few days or maybe even only hours ago;
• These two had been with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration;
• When Moses and Elijah had appeared to Jesus.
• So on a spiritual high and with Elijah fresh in their minds:
• They think back to what happened in 2 Kings chapter 1 verse 10.
• Where, because King Ahaziah refuses to welcome the word of God through Elijah,
• He is judged.
• Several of the kings messengers confront Elijah the prophet;
• And they are consumed by fire from heaven.
Verses 55-56:
“But Jesus turned and rebuked them,
56 and they went to another village.”
• Jesus tells the over zealous disciples;
• Now is not a time for judgment; it's a time for salvation.
• He rebukes them and they move on having learnt a valuable lesson;
• That inherited racial prejudice is not to be met by retaliation.
James & John make a big mistake; question did would they learn from it?
• Quote: Richard Needham
• “Strong people make as many mistakes as weak people. Difference is that strong people admit their mistakes, laugh at them, learn from them. That is how they become strong”.
• God can make something even of our mistakes;
• When we are willing to learn!
• Here in Luke’s gospel James and John;
• Were all for calling down destructive fire from heaven.
• In Acts chapter 8 verse 14:
• It was this same John who was sent from Jerusalem to Samaria;
• To pray for and help those Samaritans who had been converted.
(2). The Would-be Disciples(?):
(1). Decision (verse 57-58):
“As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, I will follow you wherever you go.
58 Jesus replied, Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head”.
Matthew in his gospel (chapter 8 verse 19) tells us:
• That this first man was a ‘Teacher of the law’, or a ‘scribe’.
• Most ‘Teacher of the law’, or ‘scribes’ were hostile to Jesus.
• But here is a teacher willing to acknowledge Jesus as his teacher!
• His desire and his sincerity to follow Jesus has to be admired,
• His problem is that he has not thought about the consequences regarding following Jesus;
• Maybe he is caught up with the enthusiasm of the crowds and the excitement of miracles!
Notice his request (verse 57): “I will follow you WHEREVER YOU GO”
• He had no idea what he was saying;
• Not even the 12 disciples had grasped the fact;
• That following Jesus would lead to Self-denial, sacrifice, & suffering!
Ill:
• As a ‘Teacher of the law’ he was part of profession;
• He would have been prosperous & well off.
• He would have been use to a secure, steady life-style;
• In following Jesus all that would have to change.
Jesus reminds this man that true discipleship means giving up everything.
• Jesus informs him that he has nothing, and has to trust God for all his daily needs;
• For food, for shelter, for clothes etc.
• Jesus tells him straight: “Foxes have holes and birds have nests”
• But I says Jesus; “Nothing!” No home, no security & no comforts!
• It’s an incredible statement; even the animals have shelter & security;
• But the Son of God (who created this world) has nowhere!
• The challenge Jesus makes to the man is simple; “Are you prepared to live like that!”
• Will you give up your home comforts and trust God regarding the future!
Note:
• No-one who reads the gospels can ever say;
• That they were induced to follow Jesus under false pretences;
• Jesus paid men & women the compliment of pitching his demands so high;
• That they cannot be higher!
Ill:
• The following ad once appeared in a London newspaper:
• "Men wanted for hazardous journey.
• Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness,
• Constant danger, safe return doubtful”
• Amazingly, the ad drew thousands of respondents,
• Because the ad was signed by Sir Ernest Shackleton, Antarctic explorer.
• That name and the adventure he would lead them to;
• Made all the difference!
(2). Delay (verses 59-61)
“He said to another man, Follow me. But the man replied, Lord, first let me go and bury my father.
60 Jesus said to him, Let the dead bury their own dead, BUT you go and proclaim the kingdom of God”.
• The first man was too ready to follow Jesus;
• This second man is not ready enough!
• To this second man;
• Jesus actually called him (what an honour) but he would not come!
Ill:
Glady’s Aylward was a missionary to China
• Whose story was told in the book
• The Small Woman by Alan Burgess, published in 1957.
• In 1958, the story was made into the Hollywood film,
• The Inn of the Sixth Happiness, starring Ingrid Bergman.
• An incredible little cockney woman;
• Who did an incredible work for the Lord in China & Taiwan.
• There was a time when she noticed the happiness and companionship;
• Shared by a missionary couple.
• She was alone and asked God to call a partner to join her on the mission field;
• No-one ever came!
• When giving her testimony she said (not sure if it was tongue in cheek or not):
• “God called him, but he wouldn’t come!”
Well this second man had a definite call; “Follow me”;
• His reply was;
• “First let me bury my father”.
• I do not think for one minute that the mans Father had died hours or days earlier;
• And that the man was in grieving making preparations for a funeral!
• I believe that he is saying to Jesus; “I will follow but not just yet”.
• He wanted to fulfil the normal custom of looking after his father, until his father dies.
• Then he will be free to follow Jesus.
• “I will follow but not just yet”.
Jesus replies by saying that the kingdom of God is here now.
• Ill: It is like a train calling at a station;
• Get on board or you will be left behind! The opportunity is now not tomorrow!
• It will not wait 5, 10 or even 20 years!
• Now is the time to follow.
Verse 59 contains that damaging word ‘but’:
• It is the one little word in our language which when placed after a statement,
• Becomes the biggest negative word in our language.
• “I will follow you, Lord, but…..”
• As soon as it is introduced it negates all that come before.
• Or, “I love you and I will do anything for you, but.......”
• ‘But’ so often negates all that come before.
• We can have great intentions yet when we inset that little word into the statement;
• Everything changes!
• Using the word ‘but’
• Is a good way for us to go back on our commitment our promises, our faithfulness.
To many Christians today use that little word ‘but’;
• “I’ll follow the Lord but first…”
• “I will witness for the Lord but first….”
• “I will give, serve, worship….. for the Lord but first….”
• Jesus teaches us that God must be first, even over family!
• Quote:
• “The greatest thing you can do for Jesus, is the very next thing he asks you to do!”
(3). Determination (verse 61-62)
61 Still another said, I will follow you, Lord; BUT first let me go back and say good-bye to my family”.
“Jesus replied, No-one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
• Like the first would-be disciple;
• This third man also says that he wants to follow Jesus ‘BUT’.
• This mans ‘But’ is that he wants to go home to say his goodbyes!
• On the surface the request seems fair, but below the surface is a deeper meaning.
To this third man, Jesus is again saying that he must come before family ties;
• Note: That in this verse there is a different emphasis than in verse 57 (the first man);
• The focus here is on authority.
• The word translated 'say good-bye' means; 'take my leave of'.
• The man is saying that he will follow Jesus if his family give their permission.
Jesus' response is simple & he uses a familiar farming illustration:
• Ill: In ploughing with oxen,
• One must look forward to keep the furrows straight, or so I am told.
• The closest experience I have is a lawn mower or a small white paint line marker wheel.
• In both cases if you don’t look out ahead of you, you won’t have very straight lines.
• Just as ploughing is a precise art that requires our full and undivided attention;
• Or we'll make a complete shambles of it,
• So to with discipleship;
• Disciples were to be committed to their teachers 100% - teacher came first!
Quote:
• A disciple in Bible days learned from a teacher.
• Attachment to a specific teacher was the essence of discipleship.
• Both the Pharisees and John the Baptist had disciples (Mark 2:18).
• A disciple attached themselves wholeheartedly to their teacher.
• They would leave their occupations to follow, live with;
• And learn from their chosen teacher.
• Discipleship in Bible times always meant putting the teacher first;
• Not just before self, but also putting him before family and possessions.
• Just as ploughing is a precise art that requires our full and undivided attention;
• Or we'll make a complete shambles of it,
• So to with discipleship;
• Disciples were to be committed to their teachers 100% - teacher came first!
Jesus was well aware that if this man returned home;
• The fervent and emotional pleas of his family to stay;
• Would anchor him at home and prevent him following Jesus.
Ill:
• Go down to the fish market and look into the crab barrel.
• They never have to put a lid on it!
• The reason being that if one crab starts to crawl out,
• The other crabs in the bucket will grab onto him and pull him back down.
• That’s what negative peer pressure does.
• And that’s what this man would have to have fought against!
Jesus tells this man that discipleship requires that we focus on him & his authority alone:
• If we gaze all around us and take our cues from anyone else,
• Even our family, we'll quickly go wrong and lose our way.
Note:
• We don't know how many, or if any of these would-be disciples responded;
• After Jesus laid out the cost of discipleship.
• Luke leaves it open for us to fill in the answers.
• Maybe he does that because the principles of discipleship are timeless.
• Maybe Luke leaves those decisions unanswered:
• Because we may well be in the shoes of those three men this evening?
• Having heard these words and thought about these principles?
• Are we willing to follow Jesus 100%, or are we limping along, using the same excuses?
Now do not misunderstand this passage:
• Security, customs and home ties are not necessarily wrong.
• On other occasions Jesus approved and encouraged them.
• But at times God steps in and speaks to us;
• And at those times;
• The claims of Jesus must over-ride those customs, comforts and home ties.
• When confronted with a parting of the ways – who wins?
Quote: Luciano Pavarotti
• “When I was a boy, my father, a baker, introduced me to the wonders of song,
• He urged me to work very hard to develop my voice.
• Arrigo Pola, a professional tenor in my hometown of Modena, Italy,
• Took me as a pupil. I also enrolled in a teachers college.
• On graduating, I asked my father,
• ‘Shall I be a teacher or a singer?’
• “‘Luciano,’ my father replied,
• ‘if you try to sit on two chairs, you will fall between them. For life, you must choose one chair.’
• “I chose one.
• It took seven years of study and frustration before I made my first professional appearance.
• It took another seven to reach the Metropolitan Opera.
• And now I think whether it’s laying bricks, writing a book
• Whatever we choose - we should give ourselves to it.
• Commitment, that’s the key. Choose one chair.”
Ill:
• When Julius Caesar landed on the shores of Britain with his Roman legions,
• He took a bold and decisive step to ensure the success of his military venture.
• Ordering his men to march to the edge of the Cliffs of Dover,
• He commanded them to look down at the water below.
• To their amazement,
• They saw every ship in which they had crossed the channel engulfed in flames.
• Caesar had deliberately cut off any possibility of retreat.
• Now that his soldiers were unable to return to the continent,
• There was nothing left for them to do but to advance and conquer!
• And that is exactly what they did.
