“Those The Father Has Given!”

“Those The Father Has Given!”(Lk. 9:57-62).
In a lengthy talk with the disciples, Jesus said among others, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you…”(Jn.15:16a). This was a contradiction to the norm of the time whereby a disciple chose the particular rabbi to whom he wanted to be attached. In the case of Jesus as in our text, we are familiar with Jesus’ words, “Follow me.”
However, we are also aware of the large crowds that followed him without him asking them to do so. It is also true that the psychological behavior of large crowds then, as it is today is usually out of curiosity, boredom or some vested interest.
Some people followed him because in him they recognized the long awaited messiah. Others followed him because of his wisdom. The majority in the crowd were nobodies, and Jesus’ teachings gave them the assurances that they too were somebodies. Some followed him because of the food he often provided miraculously. Of course, there are the idle loafers who follow whatever is available for following.
Jesus however made it clear that, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him…”(Jn.6:44).
The above may explain the reason for Jesus’ reactions and responses to the three persons concerning following him.
“Jesus was walking along the road,” and somebody said, “I will follow you wherever you go.” You see, when people regard the act, God sees the intention. Jesus read his mind and realized that his words were mere lip-service! There was no genuine motive for following Jesus. He was in search of the good life; he wasn’t in search of salvation. Jesus told him, “If it is comfort and easy life that you hope for, I have none to offer! I am more or less, a pauper!” Was Jesus right? Yes, he was; if not the man would have insisted to say, “I’ll follow you all the same!”
Those who are in the body of Christ because of the “Prosperity Gospel” are those gullible ones who consider Christ as the provider of demonstrable salvation “only.”
There are others who are called by Jesus but they consider filial obligations to be primordial to kingdom matters. To such Jesus is explaining that when it comes to kingdom matters, family and social ties are inconsequential. Those and others are things we should forego to gain the ultimate good.
My friend, discipleship to Christ means that “followership” must be top on our scale of preference and we should forego all other things if we have to attain it. What this means in simple terms is selling all we have to buy a field where an uncountable and immeasurable treasure has been buried.
Prayer of the day: Lord Jesus Christ, help me to follow you without counting the cost. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.