Put CHRIST First - Luke 9:57-62; 14:25-33 - March 5, 2006

Sunday School Lesson – Put CHRIST First – March 5, 2006

This begins a new series of study entitled “CHRIST Followers.”

The 4 week study will be in Gospel of Luke:

March 5 – Put CHRIST First – Luke 9:57-62; 14:25-33
v Understanding JESUS’ challenge to put HIM before everything and everyone else.

March 12 – Keep Praying – Luke 11:1-13
v Acknowledging the value of prayer and committing to develop more persistent prayer lives.

March 19 – Celebrate When People Come to CHRIST – Luke 15:1-7, 11-13, 22-24, 28-32
v Affirming that salvation of sinners is the reason CHRIST came to earth and to welcome all who come to HIM.

March 26 – Honor CHRIST – Luke 19: 28-32, 35-44
v Realizing that followers of CHRIST should always honor HIM and affirming that they will honor HIM as long as they live.

Background scripture is Luke 9:46-62; 14:25-35

Focus scripture is Luke 9:57-62; 14:25-33

Some misconceptions can arise from the scripture we will study today. We must keep in mind the setting of the events given in the scripture. People are following JESUS, possibly for days, listening to HIS teachings, are being moved by HIS message and building a relationship with HIM. The scripture seems to be blunt rapid fire statements. They are statements which address human response to GOD’S call to discipleship.

Some of the demands for discipleship may seem to be overwhelming and with our human understanding can be discouraging to even consider being a disciple. Remember CHRIST is in us and will nurture us to discipleship through the relationship we have with HIM but HE does want us to be aware of and count the cost of being a disciple.

Keep in mind JESUS only did what THE FATHER told HIM to do. CHRIST is totally and completely obedient to THE FATHER.

John 12:49-50:
49 For I have not spoken on My own, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a command as to what I should say and what I should speak. 50 I know that His command is eternal life. So the things that I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.”

John 14:7-11:
Jesus Reveals the Father
7 “If you know Me, you will also know[4] Other mss read If you had known Me, you would have known My Father. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.” 8 “Lord,” said Philip, “show us the Father, and that’s enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been among you all this time without your knowing Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me?[5] Jn 10:30,38 The words I speak to you I do not speak on My own. The Father who lives in Me does His works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. Otherwise, believe[6] Other mss read believe Me because of the works themselves.

GOD has a teaching purpose in the actions and responses of the people in our study scripture.

Are we a follower, believer or a disciple of CHRIST? Each of us has to decide whether or not to be a follower, believer or a disciple of CHRIST.

During JESUS’ earthly ministry some people followed HIM because HE was interesting, dynamic and charismatic. But did they accept HIM as THE MESSIAH?

Even today there are followers of JESUS because it is the social thing to do. It is good business to be seen as a Christian.
The question is, “Have we accepted CHRIST because we see that we are sinners and need to be saved from our sin so that we can have eternal life?” If so that makes us a believer.

Once we become a believer, do we want to become a disciple?

Since CHRIST’S death, resurrection and ascension, we as believers are blessed beyond measure.

CHRIST paid the penalty for sin by giving HIS life for sin. This allows the human body to become the temple of GOD so THE HOLY SPIRIT can indwell the human body of every believer.
Every believer will be equipped and empowered for service.

So what is JESUS’ message to us through the Great Commission?

Matthew 28:16-20:
The Great Commission
16 The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped,[5] Other mss add Him but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of[6] Lit and instruct, or and disciple (as a verb) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember,[7] Lit look I am with you always,[8] Lit all the days to the end of the age.”

CHRIST’S challenge to us is to make disciples. The Body of CHRIST, the Church, is to be about the business of nurturing believers into disciples.

THE HOLY SPIRIT does the equipping and GOD our FATHER provides the power and performs the miracles. Our part is to be obedient and that requires the right relationship.

It is all about the relationship we have with CHRIST. GOD wants us to have a loving intimate relationship with HIM through CHRIST. HE wants us to be so in love with HIM and have such confidence and trust in HIM that we are completely obedient to HIM. Such a relationship rarely happens over night, it takes time and us yielding our lives to GOD to build this relationship.

However we have a choice whether or not we will yield our lives to our LORD. When we yield our lives to HIM this allows HIM to build the character in us which produces complete trust and confidence in HIM to be HIS disciple.

Let’s read Luke 9:57-62:

57 As they were traveling on the road someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go!” 58 Jesus told him, “Foxes have dens, and birds of the sky[25] Wild birds, as opposed to domestic birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”

59 Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” “Lord,” he said, “first let me go bury my father.”[26] Not necessarily meaning his father was already dead 60 But He told him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.”

61 Another also said, “I will follow You, Lord, but first let me go and say good-bye to those at my house.” 62 But Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

We have three (3) people who, possibly for days, have been following and listening to JESUS teach. In verse 57-58 the first unidentified person tells JESUS “I will follow YOU wherever YOU go!” JESUS makes it clear to him that there will be a cost for him to follow HIM. HE doesn’t even have a place to call home. So following HIM will not be easy.

Was this person caught up in the moment and popularity of JESUS? Did he see JESUS for WHO HE is or did the man like the excitement of following a popular teacher? We do not know but JESUS tells him it will not be easy. We do not know how the man responded.

Notice in verses 59-60, JESUS asks the person to follow HIM but he offers what seems to be a legitimate excuse, “He needs to go bury his father.”

The problem is this person’s father is not dead yet. The rational to conclude that this person’s father is not dead is due to the fact this person is out following and listening to JESUS. If his father was dead he would be at home morning the death of his father and tending to the burial. The burial of a father falls to the son in the family and in particular to the eldest son. It also meant that any inheritance would pass to the son at the death of his father.

Burial, also, was a process. The body was buried quickly. Then in about 12-months the flesh would decompose leaving only the bones of the deceased. The bones were gathered and placed in an ossuary (osh’oo-er’ee) or bone box.

The words JESUS used in verse 60 tells us that JESUS is saying, “Let the spiritually dead bury the physically dead. You need to go spread the good news of the gospel to the spiritually dead.” JESUS saw in this person the potential to become a fisher of men.

Then in verse 61, we see another person responding on their own, “I will follow YOU but ---“, let me “first” go and tell my family “good-bye”. This seems reasonable. JESUS follows this man’s statement with a statement, “Once you make a decision, do not look back.” JESUS being GOD knew the man’s heart. The words the man uses gives a clue about his intentions, “first let me go and say good-bye to those at my house.”

The first key word is “first”. GOD does not want anything to be put “first” before HIM. The man using the word “first” was a signal to JESUS that he would let other things come “first” before his service to GOD.

The second key word is “good-bye”. To say “good-bye” is not as simple as it sounds. It means to go home put the household in order, give out instructions and in “due time” leave and join up with YOU.

Notice two (2) of the men referred to JESUS as LORD. The use of the title “LORD” gives the impression that these men believed in the deity of JESUS. In the Greco-Roman world, Caesar was recognized as Lord.

Now put this in proper perspective. If Caesar asked you to do something would you tell him, “Sure I will do it but I need to first go home to take care of some things, say good-bye and then when everything is worked out I will do it.” How do you think Caesar would react to such a statement from a subject? I think someone would be missing a head.

When JESUS called HIS twelve (12) disciples, each left what they were doing and immediately followed JESUS.

Let’s read Luke 14:25-33:
25 Now great crowds were traveling with Him. So He turned and said to them: 26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be My disciple.

27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

28 “For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, after he has laid the foundation and cannot finish it, all the onlookers will begin to make fun of him, 30 saying, ‘This man started to build and wasn’t able to finish.’

31 “Or what king, going to war against another king, will not first sit down and decide if he is able with 10,000 to oppose the one who comes against him with 20,000? 32 If not, while the other is still far off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.

33 In the same way, therefore, every one of you who does not say good-bye to[6] Or does not renounce or leave all his possessions cannot be My disciple.

Now we fast forward to Chapter 14 and to a very large crowd traveling with JESUS.

JESUS turns to the crowd and issues a blanket statement to them. It seems as if JESUS is asking the crowd, “Why are you following ME around and listening to MY teaching?” Do you really love ME because you see that I am THE MESSIAH?” “If you love ME how much do you love ME?” “Here is something for you to think about. If you are going to be one of MY disciples, is your love and commitment to ME so deep that in contrast to the love you have for your earthly father, mother, wife, children, brothers or sisters that it appears that you hate them?”

JESUS is not saying we have to hate our loved ones but in contrast to our love for HIM our love for our family is a distant second appearing as hate. Yes even a distant second to our own life.

JESUS is totally committed to GOD THE FATHER to give HIS life to pay the penalty GOD demands for sin. HE wants no less a commitment from us, when we want to be HIS disciples.

JESUS makes it clear what is demanded of us. We must count the cost.

I think to myself, “Gee this is asking a lot. I do not know if I can commit to such a high standard. Can I finish the work?” Most of us cannot even begin to comprehend such a commitment. This is why we must have the relationship with GOD through CHRIST which can prepare us for discipleship.

Keep in mind the crowd following JESUS, possibly for days, listening to HIM teach and seeing HIS miracles were getting to know HIM. In essence they were building a relationship with HIM and observing authority and power which confirms HIS authenticity.

Today we have the knowledge of HIS death, burial, resurrection and ascension. We, as Christians, have THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHO indwells our lives and confirms HIS authenticity in our hearts and that we are HIS children.

The indwelling HOLY SPIRIT in our life allows us to commit our life to CHRIST and to build the relationship that enables us to commit to become a disciple. Sometimes we have to say, “LORD I am willing to be made willing to be your disciple.”

“Wherever HE leads I will follow” is a powerful commitment and is not to be taken lightly.

We have to know HIM and trust HIM to lead us where HE wants us to go, do what HE wants us to do, to say what HE wants us to say and believe HE can do all HE says HE can do.

JESUS makes it clear that it is not easy to be HIS disciple. We have to die to self. We have to take up our own cross and nail self to that cross; that is dying to self and then follow HIM.

HE says there is a cost. Do not commit yourself to being MY disciple until you consider the cost. HE gives two (2) examples to consider. One example is building a tower in a field so someone can watch over the field and the other example is a king having to defend his kingdom.

The decision to build a tower is optional but the decision how to handle the approaching king with a stronger army than yours requires a decision and strategy.

The key is where do we look for the ability to complete the mission? Do we look at our ability or do we place ourselves into GOD’S care and depend upon HIS ability? Relying upon GOD relates back to our relationship with HIM.

The bottom line each of us must decide is if we will allow anything to come between us and serving THE LORD as HIS disciple.

What is a disciple? When JESUS called a disciple it meant, “To be in the same way with, to accompany.” It did not mean to walk behind HIM wherever HE went to minister, it meant to always put HIM above everything and everyone. There is no treasure more valuable than HIM.

There is a distinction between a “believer” and a “disciple”.
A “disciple” refers to a smaller inner more intimate group and a “believer” is a larger group.

JESUS is making a distinction between the two (2) groups and makes it clear to be a disciple requires a commitment and there will be a cost.

It seems, based upon the scripture we have studied, we can volunteer to become disciples or HE can call us to discipleship. Either way HE wants us to know we have the right to choose.

This maybe a stretch but consider the example of building the tower, which is optional, to those who decide they want to become a disciple. Then consider the example of the king having to defend his kingdom, where action is required, to those GOD calls to become a disciple.

So do we have to be perfect to become a disciple or just willing?

Since we are still on our journey with our LORD, let’s take a quick look at the Apostle Peter’s life.

Peter responded immediately to the call of CHRIST to be a disciple.

Mark 1: 16-17:
The First Disciples – Peter First to be called
16 As He was passing along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon (Peter) and Andrew, Simon’s brother. They were casting a net into the sea, since they were fishermen. 17 “Follow Me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for[14] Lit you to become fishers of people!” 18 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

Mark 3:14-16: - Peter first to be called to be an Apostle.

14 He also appointed 12—He also named them apostles[2] Other mss omit He also named them apostles —to be with Him, to send them out to preach, 15 and to have authority to[3] Other mss add heal diseases, and to drive out demons. 16 He appointed the Twelve:[4] Other mss omit He appointed the Twelve To Simon, He gave the name Peter;

Mark 1:35-37: Peter the leader and spokes person.

35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place. And He was praying there. 36 Simon and his companions went searching for Him. 37 They found Him and said, “Everyone’s looking for You!”

Matthew 14:22-33: It is Peter who walks on the water with JESUS.
Walking on the Water
22 Immediately He[7] Other mss read Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. 23 After dismissing the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone. 24 But the boat was already over a mile[8] Lit already many stadia; 1 stadion = 600 feet from land,[9] Other mss read already in the middle of the sea battered by the waves, because the wind was against them. 25 Around three in the morning,[10] Lit fourth watch of the night = 3 to 6 a.m. He came toward them walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear. 27 Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s You,” Peter answered Him, “command me to come to You on the water.” 29 “Come!” He said. And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strength of the wind,[11] Other mss read saw the wind he was afraid. And beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out His hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those in the boat worshiped Him and said, “Truly You are the Son of God!”

Matthew 18:21 – Peter asks questions no one else dared to ask.

21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how many times could my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times?”
22 “I tell you, not as many as seven,” Jesus said to him, “but 70 times seven.

Matthew 17:1-6: Peter is a member of the inner circle of Peter, James and John on several occasions. The Mount of Transfiguration is one such occasion.

1 After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. 2 He was transformed[1] Or transfigured in front of them, and His face shone like the sun. Even His clothes became as white as the light. 3 Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it’s good for us to be here! If You want, I will make[2] Other mss read wish, let’s make three • tabernacles here: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud covered[3] Or enveloped; Ex 40:34–35 them, and a voice from the cloud[4] 2 Pt 1:16–18 said: This is My beloved Son. I take delight in Him. Listen to Him! 6 When the disciples heard it, they fell facedown and were terrified.

Matthew 16:13-20: Peter is the first to recognize JESUS as the Messiah and is praised by JESUS.

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi,[6] A town north of Galilee at the base of Mount Hermon He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the • Son of Man is?”[7] Other mss read that I, the Son of Man, am 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But you,” He asked them, “who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the • Messiah, the Son of the living God!” 17 And Jesus responded, “Simon son of Jonah,[8] Or son of John you are blessed because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter,[9] Peter (Gk Petros) = a specific stone or rock and on this rock[10] Rock (Gk petra) = a rocky crag or bedrock I will build My church, and the forces[11] Lit gates of • Hades will not overpower it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth is already bound[12] Or earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth is already loosed[13] Or earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 And He gave the disciples orders to tell no one that He was[14] Other mss add Jesus the Messiah.

Matthew 16:21-23: Peter is rebuked by JESUS.

21 From then on Jesus began to point out to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, • chief priests, and • scribes, be killed, and be raised the third day. 22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, “Oh no,[15] Lit Mercy to You = May God have mercy on You Lord! This will never happen to You!” 23 But He turned and told Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me because you’re not thinking about God’s concerns,[16] Lit about the things of God but man’s.”

Luke 22:31-34: Satan wants to sift Peter, JESUS prays Peter’s faith will not fail but that Peter will deny CHRIST.
Peter’s Denial Predicted
31 “Simon, Simon,[6] Other mss read Then the Lord said, “Simon, Simon look out! Satan has asked to sift you[7] you (pl in Gk) like wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you[8] you (sg in Gk) that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 “Lord,” he told Him, “I’m ready to go with You both to prison and to death!” 34 “I tell you, Peter,” He said, “the rooster will not crow today until[9] Other mss read before you deny three times that you know Me!”

Matthew 26:69-75: Peter denies his LORD not once, not twice but three times.
Peter Denies His Lord
69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant approached him and she said, “You were with Jesus the Galilean too.” 70 But he denied it in front of everyone: “I don’t know what you’re talking about!” 71 When he had gone out to the gateway, another woman saw him and told those who were there, “This man was with Jesus the • Nazarene!” 72 And again he denied it with an oath, “I don’t know the man!” 73 After a little while those standing there approached and said to Peter, “You certainly are one of them, since even your accent[32] Or speech gives you away.” 74 Then he started to curse[33] To call down curses on himself if what he said weren’t true and to swear with an oath, “I do not know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed, 75 and Peter remembered the words Jesus had spoken, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Peter repents of his sin and weeps. In contrast Judas cannot even ask for forgiveness and goes and hangs himself.

Oh, but by the grace of GOD, we see that Peter is the first Apostle to whom CHRIST appears. JESUS forgives our worst offences when we repent and comes to us to confirm that forgiveness and restores our relationship with HIM.

Luke 24:33-35: Peter was the first Apostle to whom JESUS appeared.

33 That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, 34 who said,[8] Gk is specific that this refers to the Eleven and those with them. “The Lord has certainly been raised, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how He was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

1 Corinthians 15:3-5: Paul confirms that JESUS first appeared to Peter.

3 For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He appeared to • Cephas, then to the Twelve.

The Book of Acts tells of the role of the Apostle Peter from the Day of Pentecost to taking the message of salvation to the Gentiles.

Peter had his ups and his downs as he journeyed with CHRIST. The important thing is JESUS never cast him aside because of his actions. Peter served our LORD in spite of himself. Our LORD built the relationship with Peter and nurtured Peter along his journey with HIM.

Only GOD can take the ordinary and create the extraordinary.

What a SAVIOR!

Are you a disciple, believer or a follower?