Conditions for Discipleship

As Jesus gained popularity, various people started following Him for various reasons. Jesus straightens out the requirements for discipleship.

In this passage, we see four kinds of people:

There is the crowd – seeking demonstrations and miracles from Jesus,

the scribe with his unthinking decision, and

the disciples, well into forming binding affection for Jesus.

Finally, we have Jesus Himself to provide loving salvation to His true followers.

Crowd – Seeking Demonstration

The nature of the crowd is indicated in the following passage:

A large crowd followed Him, because they saw the signs which He was performing on those who were sick. As the crowds were increasing, He began to say, "This generation is a wicked generation; it seeks for a sign, and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah. Luke 11:29

Why is the crowd seeking a sign? Most of them are there for the wrong reasons. Most of them are there out of curiosity, not commitment. They act as if they are looking for pointers to Christ, the Messiah, but miss out on His wonderful deity in human form. His amazing persona. They are looking for temporary treats, gifts, healing, food, and missing out on the great giver not only of gifts but of life itself.

Scribe – Unthinking Decision

The scribe clearly states, “I WILL follow WHEREVER” you go. Jesus quickly points out what that really means.

We make those statements too. Do we set boundaries for our service?

Are we ready to pay the price to win the prize?

Follower – Binding Affection

Another disciple defers the decision to bury his father

This is probably referring not just to the act of burial. The disciple could have been wanting to do one or more of the following:

· Fulfil his duty as oldest son to be near the father to get an inheritance

· Remain near the body to rebury bones after a year

· Making an excuse

What plans do we need to bury to be a worthy disciple?

Christ – Loving Salvation

Jesus, the divine Son of Man, has:

· No recreation

· No relaxation

· Only rest in God’s presence

Jesus never forces people to follow Him; He only searches for the right people who choose to follow Him.

Are we ready to go outside our comfort zone and remain uncompromising though people seem curious, comfortable, complacent, and compromising? Are we truly ready to be His disciples? How can we fulfil Christ’s conditions for discipleship?