The Cost of Discipleship (Luke 9:57-62)
What Is the Meaning of Luke 9:57-62?
In Luke 9:57-62, Jesus confronts the cost of discipleship, revealing the sacrifices required to truly follow him. Three potential followers approach Jesus, each offering conditions for following. However, Jesus challenges their intentions, emphasizing that discipleship demands total commitment and a willingness to forsake personal comfort and attachments. This passage invites us to reflect on the true cost of following Jesus—are we ready to follow him no matter what it costs?
The Cost of Following Jesus (Luke 9:57-62) – A Verse-by-Verse Breakdown and Commentary
Luke 9:57 – The Bold Claim of a Would-Be Follower
“As they were going along the road, someone said to him, ‘I will follow You wherever You go.’”
This verse introduces a man who offers to follow Jesus without reservation. His statement seems admirable at first—he is eager, ready to go wherever Jesus leads. However, Jesus does not immediately affirm this enthusiasm. Instead, He responds by pointing out the true cost of following him. The man’s words highlight the idealism that many people have when it comes to discipleship—an eagerness to follow Jesus without fully understanding the sacrifices involved.
Luke 9:58 – The Reality of Discipleship
“And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’”
Jesus’ response is a sobering reminder that his mission on earth is one of hardship, uncertainty, and sacrifice. Unlike the animals who have homes and resting places, Jesus, the Son of Man, has no permanent dwelling. This implies that following Jesus requires a willingness to leave behind comfort, security, and stability. Discipleship involves an unsettled existence, focused not on personal gain or convenience but on the advancement of God’s kingdom.
In this context, Jesus calls his followers to consider whether they are truly prepared to embrace this uncertainty. Are we willing to follow Jesus even when the road ahead is difficult and unknown?
Luke 9:59-60 – The Call to Follow and the Delay of Family Obligations
“To another He said, ‘Follow Me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’”
When the man says, “Let me bury my father,” there’s no indication that his father is dead, or even near death. Jesus isn’t rejecting a legitimate, immediate family need—what we’re seeing here is something much more subtle. It’s likely that the man is talking about a future obligation: waiting until his father dies, or until family matters are settled. But here’s the thing—there’s no indication that his father is in any immediate danger. In fact, given that they’re traveling between towns, and especially in Samaritan territory, it’s hard to imagine that the man’s father would be at death’s door while he’s away from home.
Jesus’ response, then, isn’t about disregarding the importance of family; it’s about urgency. The call to follow Him is immediate—no delays, no conditions, no waiting for the right moment to follow. What Jesus is saying cuts deep: if we’re waiting for the perfect circumstances to follow Him, we’re missing the point. The kingdom of God demands our focus, our time, and our commitment now, not when things are more convenient, not when we’ve handled everything else. The call to follow Jesus transcends even the most reasonable, natural demands that we place on ourselves, and sometimes, we have to ask: are we ready to follow Him with no excuses? No waiting for something else to take priority? That’s what Jesus challenges here.
Luke 9:61-62 – The Desire to Say Goodbye and the Call for Undivided Attention
“Another said, ‘I will follow You, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’”
The third person expresses a desire to follow Jesus, but only after a final farewell to his family. Again, this seems like a reasonable request. However, Jesus uses a powerful metaphor—once a person begins plowing, they must focus on the task ahead. Looking back, even for a moment, would interfere with the work. Jesus calls his followers to complete and undistracted devotion. The task of advancing the kingdom of God requires full focus and commitment.
This passage highlights the need for disciples to abandon divided loyalties and distractions. Following Jesus means keeping our eyes fixed on him, not allowing the past, whether relationships, regrets, or worldly pursuits, to pull us away from his call.
Meaning for Today
1. Discipleship Demands Sacrifice and Uncertainty
Jesus doesn’t promise a comfortable or easy life to those who follow him. The road of discipleship is uncertain, and it often involves sacrifices—whether in terms of security, relationships, or personal ambitions. We are called to follow Jesus not for what He can give us but because of who He is and the eternal mission He invites us to join.
2. The Urgency of the Kingdom
The call to follow Jesus is not a passive invitation. It demands urgency and a willingness to leave everything behind to proclaim the kingdom of God. Just as the man was challenged to let the dead bury their dead, we are called to prioritize God’s mission above all else, even well-meaning obligations. This is a reminder that the Gospel’s call requires action now, not delayed obedience.
3. Single-Minded Focus on Jesus’ Call
Jesus’ metaphor of plowing reminds us that discipleship is a focused pursuit. When we commit to follow Jesus, we cannot afford to look back, distracted by past concerns or lingering attachments. We are called to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, continually moving forward in the mission He has set before us.
Conclusion
Luke 9:57-62 teaches us that following Jesus is not for the faint of heart. Discipleship involves leaving behind comforts, making God’s kingdom a priority over earthly attachments, and committing fully to his call. It is a call to radical devotion and a willingness to follow Jesus wherever He leads, with no turning back.
As we consider the cost of following Jesus, let us reflect on our own priorities. Are we ready to follow Jesus, no matter the cost? Are we willing to place the kingdom of God above all else, even our most cherished attachments?
FAQ
What does Jesus mean by saying “foxes have holes” in Luke 9:58?
Jesus uses this metaphor to illustrate the uncertainty and hardship of following him. While animals have secure places to rest, Jesus does not offer the same comfort to his followers—discipleship requires a willingness to face life’s challenges without the promise of ease.
Why did Jesus reject the man who wanted to bury his father?
Jesus’ response highlights the radical nature of discipleship. While honoring one’s parents is important, the proclamation of God’s kingdom requires immediate action and total devotion. Jesus emphasizes that following him must take precedence over all other duties.
What does it mean to “put your hand to the plow and not look back”?
This metaphor speaks to the undivided focus required in following Jesus. Like a farmer who cannot look back while plowing, a disciple must commit to the mission ahead without being distracted by the past or personal attachments.
