How to Be a Disciple

How to Be a Disciple
Luke 14:25-33
At the point of this reading in the Gospel of Luke, the Jesus movement is going great. People are being healed. A woman who was crippled for 18 years is healed. A man who was seriously ill with swollen legs (make your own diagnosis), is also healed. Jesus is also telling the good news that everyone is invited to God’s banquet. All are welcome – the poor, the homeless, the powerless, and the marginal in society. Large crowds are following Jesus. And why not? He is telling them and showing them what good things God can do for them.

But as Jesus sees the large crowds gathering, he begins to change the focus of his teaching. He talks about what it means to be one of his disciples. We can assume that he wants to have more than just 12 disciples. He chose those twelve and now he seems to be encouraging people to choose him and become his disciples. Of course, there are requirements for disciples. Not just anyone can be a disciple. Jesus gives a list of the qualifications.

1.Whoever does not hate their family, cannot be a disciple of Jesus.
What a shocking statement. I have always interpreted this statement and others, as hyperbole, that is, an exaggeration to get people’s attention and to make a point. Another interpretation is that “hate” was not as strong a word in the days of Jesus as it is today. The Contemporary English Version of the Bible interprets this passage by having Jesus say, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must love me more than their family.” This interpretation highlights the issue of priorities. What is most important? – God, family, country?

In the days of Jesus, becoming a disciple of Jesus usually meant alienation from family, tradition, and roots. That is not as true in the United States, but it is still true in other parts of the world. In fact, we like to think that Christianity and faith can strengthen families and family relationships. This is especially true when faith is a joint venture, a shared journey in a family.

2.Whoever does not take up their cross and follow Jesus, cannot be his disciple.
Jesus sees cross-taking and/or cross bearing as a voluntary decision. He calls people to be servants, and to make sacrifices for the Kingdom of God. He says that those who are his disciples will be givers, rather than takers. They will be outward focused, rather than being concerned only about themselves. Jesus was the model for cross-taking as he gave his life for the sake of all people by dying on a cross.

3.Whoever does not give away everything that they own, cannot be a disciple of Jesus.
Now here is a way to shrink the large crowds. If you start talking about money and possessions, people will turn you off, and go on to the next attraction, or back to their normal routines. This is another statement that we can interpret as hyperbole, or exaggeration. Another way of saying could be “Being a disciple of Jesus is more important than our possessions, and more important than our own comfort and prosperity. “ We probably have not given away everything that we own. We worry about having enough to pay the bills, or having enough for the future. But to be a disciple of Jesus means that we remember that everything we have is given to us by God, and is to be managed and used for God’s purposes, rather than our own.

We might note that there is a difference between being a follower of Jesus and being a disciple of Jesus. We can say that a follower is someone who doesn’t reflect, or commit seriously, or finish what they have started. Most of the people in the large crowds around Jesus were followers. They were looking for miracles and easy blessings. On the other hand, we can say that disciples are those who make deliberate, reflective decisions. They commit to an uncertain journey, and place their ultimate trust in Jesus. It is easier to be a follower, than to be a disciple. It is easier to receive blessings, than it is to make sacrifices. It is easier to attend church than it is to be a disciple.

To be a disciple means that nothing is more important than our devotion to Jesus Christ. No other relationships, including family relationships are more important. Our own comfort and fulfillment is not more important than being a disciple of Jesus. And our possessions, and our net worth are not more important than being disciples. If we are truly disciples, then all that we have and all that we are is committed to Jesus Christ.

To be a disciple means letting go of all that seeks to own us, so that we may go where God leads us, and do what God has for us to do.