FOLLOWING JESUS AS A DISCIPLE

Text- Luke 9:57-62

This morning I am going to conclude my series of sermons on the subject of discipleship.

It is my prayer that through these sermons you have come to understand in a better way what exactly is involved in being a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

Throughout the past month we have examined what the Bible says about, becoming a disciple, witnessing as a disciple, serving as a disciple, and bearing fruit as a disciple.

This morning our text is found in Luke 9:57-62 and the title of my message is, "Following Jesus as a Disciple".

A young African convert prayed one evening like this:  "O Lord, You are the needle and I am the thread!"  That day he had visited a school and watched some girls who were sewing.  He noticed that the thread always followed the needle, and he saw in that simple task a profound spiritual truth.  If he stayed close to the Lord, praying, reading His word, and depending entirely on Him, he would always be led by God's Spirit.

Before we look at how our text applies to our subject, it is important that we first understand the context.

In verse 51-56 we find Jesus traveling to the city of Jerusalem for the last time.

In verse 51 we are told that the days for his ascension were approaching.

Here in Jerusalem Jesus would be betrayed, put on trial, suffer, be put to death on the cross, be buried and rise from the dead on the third day.

Yet, in spite of all this, we are told that he "resolutely set his face to go to Jerusalem".

Truly, Jesus serves as the greatest example of commitment we have as his disciples.

As Jesus journeyed along the way he encountered various trials from the Samaritans. (Vs 52,53)

As a result the disciples reacted with hostility and wanted to ask God to kill the Samaritans for their blasphemy.

Jesus rebuked the disciples for this attitude and reminded them that his purpose for coming into the world was not to destroy men's, but to save them. (Vs 55,56)

Again as Jesus journeyed along the road to Jerusalem he encountered three other individuals who show us three aspects of what it means to be a real disciple of Jesus Christ and follow him.