Luke 9:57-62

The Would-be Followers of Jesus

⁵⁷ On the road someone asked if he could go along. "I'll go with you, wherever," he said. ⁵⁸ Jesus was curt: "Are you ready to rough it? We're not staying in the best inns, you know." ⁵⁹ Jesus said to another, "Follow me." He said, "Certainly, but first excuse me for a couple of days, please. I have to make arrangements for my father's funeral." ⁶⁰ Jesus refused. "First things first. Your business is life, not death. And life is urgent: Announce God's kingdom!" ⁶¹ Then another said, "I'm ready to follow you, Master, but first excuse me while I get things straightened out at home." ⁶² Jesus said, "No procrastination. No backward looks. You can't put God's kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day."

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Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 9:57-62

Commentary on Luke 9:57-62

(Read Luke 9:57-62)

Here is one that is forward to follow Christ, but seems to have been hasty and rash, and not to have counted the cost. If we mean to follow Christ, we must lay aside the thoughts of great things in the world. Let us not try to join the profession of Christianity, with seeking after worldly advantages. Here is another that seems resolved to follow Christ, but he begs a short delay. To this man Christ first gave the call; he said to him, Follow me. Religion teaches us to be kind and good, to show piety at home, and to requite our parents; but we must not make these an excuse for neglecting our duty to God. Here is another that is willing to follow Christ, but he must have a little time to talk with his friends about it, and to set in order his household affairs, and give directions concerning them. He seemed to have worldly concerns more upon his heart than he ought to have, and he was willing to enter into a temptation leading him from his purpose of following Christ. No one can do any business in a proper manner, if he is attending to other things. Those who begin with the work of God, must resolve to go on, or they will make nothing of it. Looking back, leads to drawing back, and drawing back is to perdition. He only that endures to the end shall be saved.