Luke 9:57-62

Introduction: This is the first week of a new year, 2025. Like many Christians, perhaps you have made resolutions or commitments. Perhaps your commitment was to follow Jesus more closely this year, to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. Following Jesus is a daily commitment, and if you find yourself not following as closely as you were or should be, consider these things.

These things will keep you from following Jesus:

I. The Comforts of this World– Vs 57-58 “but the son of man hath not where to lay his head”. Jesus answered the heart of the matter- this man was too comfortable to follow Jesus Christ.

1. 1. 1. • A comfortable bed might keep you from following Jesus (“the Son of man hath not where to lay his head”.
         • A comfortable house might keep you from following Jesus
         • A comfortable career might keep you from following Jesus
         • Revelation 3:17 “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing”.

II. The Priorities of this Life– Vs 59-60 “suffer me first”. Jesus answered the heart of the matter- preaching the kingdom of God was second to something else going on in his life.

• Working, money, hobbies, sports, kids activities, etc.
• Matthew 4:19-22
• Matthew 9:9 “And as Jesus passed forth thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom; and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him”.
• Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”.

III. The People Closest to You– Vs 61-62 “but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house”. Jesus answered the heart of the matter- you are too attached to other people/ you value what they think more than what Jesus says.

1. 1. 1. • Luke 14:26 “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple”. Vs 33 “So likewise, whosever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple”.
         • A husband or wife might keep you from following Jesus.
         • A father or mother might keep you from following Jesus.
         • A friend or co-worker might keep you from following Jesus.
         • Your own self– Matthew 16:24 “Then said Jeus unto his disciples, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me”. (Looking back at what used to be).
         • God is calling us to be his disciple and if we keep looking back, we are not fit to be his disciples; vs 62 “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God”.

Conclusion: Being a disciple of Jesus Christ and following him this year can present its challenges, if you notice any of these three that are keeping you from Jesus Christ, do something about it before it’s too late.