Walking The Walk

Walking the Walk

Luke 9:57, NIV

As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”

Setting the Scene

Both Matthew and Luke tell us of brief exchanges between Jesus and potential followers. In Matthew’s account (8:18-22), Jesus creates some separation between himself and the crowds by taking a boat across the lake. But it is immediately clear there are others around besides the twelve disciples. The relative calm of the moment gives certain individuals an opportunity to approach Jesus. Luke, however, includes these exchanges among the events as Jesus was on his final journey toward Jerusalem, where God’s great plan of salvation would be accomplished at the Cross.

We may only remember how Jesus called the Twelve to follow him, but there are hints throughout the Gospels that people were continually offering themselves as willing followers. This passage shows how often people came to Jesus with conditions—just as we do. These conversations indicate that Jesus was approachable. We may wish we had detailed descriptions of more conversations Jesus had, but the Holy Spirit always gives us what is most helpful to communicate to us God’s purposes.

People felt comfortable with Jesus. Even those who hated him didn’t hesitate to approach him. And those who wanted to follow him were not prevented by his demeanor from speaking to him. We see that to follow Jesus, we must grasp the results and consequences of following. Jesus welcomed people who followed him for the right reasons, and even those who would grow in faith while they experienced the benefits, bumps, and bruises of following Jesus.

Jesus was very direct with those who wanted to be his disciples. In each of these three cases, Jesus’ comments helped them realize that following him was not to be undertaken lightly. Jesus often emphasized the necessity of counting the cost in following him (see Luke 14:25-33).

When we turn to the three individuals we’re told spoke with Jesus, a certain pattern emerges from the group. Each man expressed a condition for following. In a sense, they were claiming to make a step they were clearly not ready to take. Even the first potential disciple, as we shall see, was making too broad a commitment. His words make us recall Peter’s later declaration, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death” (Luke 22:33, NIV)—right before Peter denied knowing Jesus. These men were overstating their commitment. Jesus helped them be realistic.

Jesus isn’t looking for people who profess what great disciples they will be; he is looking for people who know how difficult it will be to follow him and do it anyway. He is looking for those whose attitude is “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24, NKJV).

Getting Personal

If you had been there, what conditions might you have made for following Jesus?

When do you feel unequipped or unprepared to be a strong disciple of Jesus? Why?

Our commitment to Christ doesn’t need conditions, qualifications, or limitations. These addendums try to shape our relationship to the one who is without limits. Any commitment short of simple trust will prove inadequate and short-lived before the realities of following Jesus.

Talking to God

Petition the Lord to forgive any attempts you’ve made to provide conditions for following him. Ask him to help you develop unqualified trust in him as he shows you the way to serve and please him.