Cannot Be My Disciple

Zechariah 10-12; Psalms 126; Luke 14

“’If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters – yes, even his own life – he cannot be my disciple…In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.’”

Luke 14:26, 27, 33

There is much talk of disciple-making and discipleship in the church today. 

But, are we talking about the same thing as Jesus was?

He called people to leave everything and follow him. The leaving first meant releasing family obligations which Jesus certainly understood as a firstborn son. His brothers would probably have resented him for this. Jesus isn’t calling us to follow him theoretically, but in real terms, now. Surrendering our family, work, education, and even our lives to him is the first step in discipleship. He might give some of those things back to us, but that is not ours to choose. This definition of discipleship is much more than being a good person who doesn’t sin too much.

Are we disciples, or just converts?

“Lord Jesus, all I have is yours, for your glory.”