Luke 9:51—10:24: Short-Term Costs for Long-Term Benefits
I THOUGHT ALL my problems would be solved when I became a Christian. But they have increased. Cost? Pain? Sacrifice? These elements don't fit into the American way of life of avoiding discomfort and inconvenience. Instant gratification is the order of the day. No goal could be further from Jesus' way of life for his disciples while here on earth.
Warming Up to God
What has been costly for you in following Jesus?
Read Luke 9:51—10:24. »
Discovering the Word
- This is the beginning of Jesus' final, year-long journey to Jerusalem. What impressions of Jesus do the opening statements (9:51-53) leave with you?
- In 9:56-62 Jesus interviews three would-be disciples. Each encounter reveals the person's inadequate understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. What issues are at stake for each of these people?
- From Jesus' response to each what do you learn about some specific costs of discipleship in his kingdom?
- How is the mission of the seventy-two in Luke 10:1-16 different from the mission of the Twelve in 9:1-6?
- Verses 17-24 record a postmission report and evaluation. Of course celebration is in order! For Jesus the success of the seventy-two is a preview of the ultimate overthrow of Satan. But as one of them, how would you have felt on hearing Jesus' words in verse 20?
Applying the Word
- Jesus' every instruction reveals a deep sense of urgency. How do we develop an urgency for mission and evangelism?
- Jesus' demands in discipleship and mission are indeed serious (9:57-62; 10:2-12). But he accompanies them with positive appeals—explicit and implicit (9:60b, 62b; 10:2, 16, 18-24). Which of his appeals inspires you to pursue discipleship on his terms?
Responding in Prayer
Ask for strength to bear the real cost of discipleship.
For Further Study
Basic Discipleship by Floyd McClung