One of the most dangerous places a person can be spiritually is almost following Jesus. In Luke 9:51 we’re told that Jesus “set His face toward Jerusalem.” He knew what awaited Him there—rejection, suffering, and the cross. Yet He went anyway. Jesus was fully committed to the mission the Father had given Him. Right after that moment, Luke describes three men who appear ready to follow Jesus. They sound sincere. They seem willing. But each one stops short. Their stories reveal three reasons people almost follow Jesus.
1. The Cost Is Higher Than Expected.
style=”padding-left: 40px;”>The first man boldly says, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go. replies: “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” (Luke 9:58) Jesus is reminding him that following Him is not about comfort. It requires surrender and a willingness to place Him above everything else. Many people love the idea of Jesus—but hesitate when they realize discipleship may change their priorities, their plans, and even their security.
2. The Timing Is Later Than We Prefer
style=”padding-left: 40px;”>Next Jesus personally invites a man: “Follow Me.” The man responds, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father. “The issue is not honoring family responsibilities. The issue is the phrase “let me first. “If Jesus is truly Lord, He cannot be second. This man didn’t reject Jesus—he postponed Him. And many people do the same thing today. They plan to follow Christ more seriously someday… when life becomes less complicated. But the call of Jesus is always for today.
3. The Surrender Is Deeper Than We Want
style=”padding-left: 40px;”>A third man says, “Lord, I will follow You but let me first go say goodbye to my family. “Jesus responds with a picture from farming: “No one, having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”A farmer cannot plow a straight row while looking behind him. Following Jesus requires looking forward and leaving the past behind. We cannot hold on to old priorities while moving forward with Christ.
The Real Danger
None of these men rejected Jesus. They admired Him. They respected Him. They were interested in Him. But admiration is not the same as discipleship. The real danger is not always rejecting Jesus outright. Sometimes the greater danger is delaying obedience. Jesus set His face toward the cross for us. He did not hesitate. The question for us is simple: Are we almost following Jesus… or truly following Him?
Reflect
- Is there an area of your life where you are delaying obedience to Christ?
- What might it look like for Jesus to truly be first in that area?
This Week’s Challenge
Take one step of obedience in an area where you’ve been hesitating. Ask the Lord to give you the grace to follow Him wholeheartedly.
