Jesus didn’t let anything get in the way of His path to the cross: not family, nor disciples, nor pressure from the Pharisees, nor the recognition of the physical pain ahead. His desire was that we also let go and take on His habit of following the will of the Father, wherever that takes us.
One day when large groups of people were walking along with Him, Jesus turned and told them, “Anyone who comes to Me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters — yes, even one’s own self! — can’t be My disciple. Anyone who won’t shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can’t be My disciple. Luke 14: 25-27
“If you love your father or mother more than you love Me, you are not worthy of being Mine. If you love your son or daughter more than Me, you are not worthy of being Mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow Me, you are not worthy of being Mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it, but if you let go of your life for Me, you will find it.” Matthew 10: 37-39
Families are very important to God, but here Jesus is turning that teaching on its head. Families inhabit a place where we rest, get nurtured and are encouraged to step out of. This statement by Jesus is part of that movement to serve others, as He did!
Of course this is a tall order. This is not just finding some spaces in our calendar to fill with Christian activities. This is not just making it to church each Sunday to feel good for the week. This is not just finding a few dollars and some change to give as an offering. This is not about being a part-time disciple when it suits us. Jesus describes a radical view of what it means to follow Him.
We are called to disciple our families, but we are also called to disciple those without a true family. Jesus asks us to love Him more than family in such a way that we are carrying His cross and following Him into whatever.
How do we let our love for our families inhibit us from following Jesus wherever and whenever He calls?
When we do step out to serve Him, how could we let go of our earthly concerns and let God hold them for us?
What is a way that you have followed Christ lately (or in the past) that has been far out of your comfort zone?
How did that feel?
How could you continue that specific journey until it begins to feel comfortable?
Jesus reminds us in Matthew that if we cling to our life, we will lose it, but if we let go of our life for Him, we will find it. So, our life is not really our own if we have invited Him into our life. If we try to cling to anything that is not part of a life led by God, but is part of a life led by self, we will lose that vibrant and loving aspect of the life He offers us. But if we let go of it, whatever that is, we will find a life we cannot imagine or even manage to create for ourselves.
What are you clinging to, instead of God?
Master Discipler, You ask so much but You have given so much more. Intensify the love and commitment I have for You. I cling to You because I must. I want to cling to You for life itself. Help me let go for You. Amen.
happy hunger 
Leave a comment