NO EASY CHOICES

There is an innermost core of disciples—Peter, James and John—and Jesus holds them close. Around them is a more extensive group of men and women who have given up their regular lives to accompany him on his missionary journeys. Their lifestyle is strenuous and embraces a degree of homelessness, for at least that part of the year in which they are on the road (58). Then there are disciples who remain in their towns and villages and act as support systems for the itinerant workers on mission. Discipleship works out in these multifaceted categories.

In this passage we are introduced to three men who announce their desire to join themselves to those who travel with Jesus, moving from the settled group into the itinerants. Jesus has no intention of making things easy for them. In effect, he tries to dissuade them. He knows that they will find it hard and perhaps understands that they could prove to be more of a hindrance than a help. His provocative questions are intended to penetrate beyond their surface, possibly romantic, enthusiasm and to test their resolve. To turn back having set one’s hand to the plough would help no one (62). Today we might do the same with those who feel called to pastoral or missionary service: we try to put them off to see if they bounce back.

What Jesus does contrasts with what we sometimes do. We tend to minimize the demands of discipleship in order to recruit people to the kingdom. We might emphasize its joys rather than its cost. Yet in the long run does this really profit anyone? Jesus does not make grace cheap or entry into the kingdom easy. What counts is not an easy beginning but an endurance to the end (Matt. 24:13). Those who are truly saved will demonstrate this through perseverance.

“Make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble” (2 Pet. 1:10).