The Cost of Discipleship--Forsaking The Old Life!

To truly follow Jesus Christ, we must consider the cost and put Christ above everything else. Therefore, discipleship requires. . .

Forsaking The Old Life!

Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family.”

Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the service in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:61 – 62)

The response of Jesus to this potential disciple indicates that Jesus interprets this response as a desire to cling onto the old life. One who turns back from the task shows themselves to unworthy of discipleship. Darrel Bock comments that “only Luke quotes this symbolism of the plow, a detail that stresses the disciple’s commitment. Disciples cannot back off from the task. Discipleship is not a second job, a moonlighting task, an ice-cream social or a hobby. It is the product of God’s calling and should be pursued with appropriate seriousness.”

A disciple cannot have one foot in Christian life and ministry and one foot left in the old life. Discipleship is not a game of Christian Twister. Saying farewell to one’s friends and family is also an essential courtesy in the east. However, this would take a long time and would result in this man being unable to accompany Jesus.

Cyprian wrote . . . “The Lord warns us of this in his gospel lest we return to the devil again and to the world, which we have renounced and from which we have escaped…Lest anyone, either because of some desire for wealth or by his own charm be persuaded from following Christ.”

Turning back from discipleship is showing oneself unworthy of discipleship.

Friends, it is time to take hold of the plow. It is time to put kingdom business ahead of worldly business. Following Christ may be difficult. It may make your life a little less comfortable, but I can assure you that nothing on this earth is more fulfilling, more joy producing, than following Christ.



Friends, are you willing to engage in a totally focused commitment to discipleship?

Are you willing to Trust Fully in Christ?

Are you willing to Lay Aside All Excuses?

Are you willing to Forsake the Old Life?

The choice is yours: Will you consider the cost, put Christ above all else, and not turn back?