Discipleship - No Fear

NO FEAR

Luke 9:57As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” ⁵⁸ Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” (NIV)

Do you want to follow Jesus? Do you know what's at stake? There are some who think that following Jesus will be a smooth journey with no problems. That's not what Jesus said. To a willing follower Jesus warned of the conditions of following Him. Our Lord and Savior was without earthly comforts. No den, no nest or no place to even lay his head was Jesus' affluence at that time. Why were Jesus words so discouraging? 

Jesus did not want followers who would count the costs of discipleship. Following Jesus will not always be pleasant or comfortable. One may find his or her self in discomfort or danger. A disciple must be willing to sacrifice life and lifestyle. 

Years ago, friends were called to a remote village in Nigeria. The couple was very excited until someone reminded them that there was no Perrier water nor fine restaurants in the locale of the call. They prayerfully reconsidered and asked for a new call. They were not comfortable in changing their entire lifestyle for the Lord. They were honest. There are some who would pretend to not have any fears. To perform a proper ministry we must count the costs of following Jesus.

The Lesson: Luke 9:57-58

1. The offered to follow Jesus and made an unusual promise. What did he promised? v. 57

2. What are some possible reasons that cause this man to want to follow Jesus?

3. Have you ever promised Jesus to follow him to wherever? Did you mean it?

4.  Jesus did not offer luxury or material comforts. What was Jesus offering? v. 58

5. As the Son of Man, Jesus is our model for spiritual living. What insights have you gain from watching him? (see Daniel 7:13-14; 1 Corinthians 15:45-47)


The Applications:

1.  Following Jesus is a costly commitment. (Luke 9:57-58; Matthew 16:21-28)


2. Believers can expect difficulties. (Luke 9:58; James 2-16)


3. Our God can get us through our fears and concerns. (Psalm 145:1-21)