Proper 18. September 4, 2022

Lucas 14:25-33

Rev. Neli ML

 

Large crowds were traveling with Jesus…

Luke does not mention in this passage where they are traveling to, but let us remember that Jesus is traveling to Jerusalem to the Feast of the Passover. There, he will be arrested by the Jewish authorities and handed over to the Romans for execution due to his proclamation. Many pilgrims also traveling to Jerusalem have joined Jesus on the way, attracted by his powerful message and great deeds. Unfortunately, it seems the large, enthusiastic crowds have great expectations about Jesus but still do not understand the radicality of Jesus’ message. Thus, along the way, Jesus took some time to warn them about the seriousness of taking the journey to Jerusalem: they must be willing to “hate” their family, to carry the cross, and to relinquish possessions. Mmmmm… Jesus, I don't think this is a good strategy to attract more disciples.

“Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot [Is not able to]be my disciple”, Jesus said to the large crowds, as they follow him to Jerusalem (14,27). The word translated to hate in this text is a Hebrew expression, which means “to turn away from or to detach oneself from”, not hostility or aversion. In Jesus’ time, family played a central role in society. Parents come first, then the spouse and offspring, followed by the extended family, and finally the self. (In our society, perhaps we would place self first…). Abandoning parents and family and pledging allegiance to a prophet who is going to be executed in Jerusalem was not a great deal. However, it seems that Jesus does not want the people to misunderstand what’s at stake if they plan on continuing with him on his journey. At a decisive moment, being Jesus’ disciple means detaching oneself from what one most loves in life, including one’s own life!

Following Jesus at this crucial moment meant not only abandoning family but also be willing to give one’s life for His cause. “Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot [is not able to] be my disciple,” Jesus added (14,27). Today, we sometimes attribute the meaning of carrying one’s cross to our personal struggles. However, for early Christians “carrying the cross” had a literal meaning. Walking and identifying with Jesus literally meant the risk of death. Jesus wanted his followers to be aware of this, but it took a while for most disciples to assimilate the reality. It wasn’t until after his resurrection that many understood Jesus’ call to carry the cross, proclaim the Gospel, and give their lives for his sake.  Christian history also tells us about the many Christians who discerned Jesus’ call and suffered his same fate when proclaiming justice and peace. Thus, the cross is not a decoration in our midst, it is a declaration of our commitment as Jesus’ disciples.

I ask, as Jesus’ disciples, are we aware that a crucial moment may come when we might have to carry Jesus’ cross? It may be a moment of extreme dilemma in which our Christian ethics is challenged. A decision to carry the cross may not necessarily lead to death but to detach oneself from the family, from possessions, from a comfortable life, from a high position, or to be judged by others, for example. Carrying Jesus’ cross is indeed a hard decision!

Jesus also compares becoming a disciple to buildings and battles. He tells us that before beginning a building project, one needs to estimate the cost to have enough to complete the project. Jesus then asks what king before going out to wage war against another king would consider securing peace with his opponent because he is not able to oppose his forces? With these reflections, Jesus allows his potential followers to consider the cost of taking up his mission. Discipleship included counting the costs and considering its meaning. This time, it was not a trip of joyous pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Followers needed to consider where this journey would take them.  Therefore, Jesus says, “. . . none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions” (14,33). The cost of following Jesus is to give up all possessions, and surely Jesus is not speaking only about money!

Jesus’ radical call is tough to preach in the context of our society—a society of attachments.  How attached are we to our family, friends, possessions, and positions in society? How willing are we to give up all of this when our Christian ethics is challenged? Are we willing to put God first in our lives?

Sisters and brothers, what a commitment to follow a radical, counter-culture prophet whose message challenges the very culture we live in today!  Let’s not hesitate or doubt to live our discipleship and proclaim Jesus’ message today.  Amen.