Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost (Series C)
September 4th, 2016
Gospel: Luke 14:25-35
Epistle: Philemon 1-21
Lesson: Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Psalm: Psalm 1
CLB Commentary – Rev. Omar Gjerness
There are three texts in Luke that speak of the cost of discipleship: 9:23, 9:57-62 and this week’s text 14:25-35. By coincidence, the last time I was asked to comment on the pericope text, it was on the same subject. You may remember I referred to Dietrich Bonhoffer’s book “Cost of Discipleship.” His Christianity put him in opposition to Hitler’s Nazi party and he was executed for it.
This text is set at the time of Jesus’ great popularity. Verse 25 speaks of the crowds that followed him. Jesus is expressing concern that it is hard for well-meaning and superficial friendship to become steadfast faithfulness.
You could start at the last verse that likens Christians to salt. Matthew 5:13 says that Christians are salt and Mark 9:50 speaks of salt that has lost its savor. You can develop the purpose of salt (Preservation from decay and giving taste). But this text says that a person who was a child of God can lose their purpose and become worthless. That opens the subject of what it is that causes Christians to turn their back on their profession.
You can also begin with the topic of discipleship. The Christian is a builder, who needs a plan. The Christian is a warrior, who has an enemy, armor, and conflict. You can speak about unfinished building and lost wars. What are the causes?
Or you can start by raising the question. “Does it cost to be a Christian?”
The first thing that would be very important if you take this approach is to make it very clear that you cannot buy your way into heaven. Grace is a gift. It is free. Someone one asked his pastor, “You said the gospel was as free as the water we drink. How come you are having a fund drive?” To which the pastor responded, “The water is free. But you have to pay for the piping.”
To emphasize that the gospel is free, raise the questions, “Is heaven for the rich?” “Can only those who can afford it get in?” And refer to the many places in the New Testament where Jesus shows great compassion for the poor. Lazarus, who had angels escort him into Abram’s bosom; or the widow’s mite; or the rich man and poor woman praying; or the urge not to give preference to those well dressed.
Having said that, what are the costs of discipleship?
Jesus begins by talking about the fact that it may create family conflict. It may also cause friends to begin to shun you. There is also the expectation that you will contribute financially to the spread of the gospel. To “pay for the piping.” There are some pleasures of sin that have to be shunned (Romans 12:2, “Be not conformed to this world”). In the case of reaching Muslims with the Gospel, it may cost your life. There are many who pay the supreme cost. Today is an age of martyrdom. All but one of the apostles were killed.
The Lord bless you as you prepare.