Excuses

There’s a curious moment in the Gospel of Luke (9:51-62). Jesus and his entourage were on their way to Jerusalem, His final journey. He sent messengers to a Samaritan village to arrange accommodations, but residents denied them hospitality. When James and John heard about this, they offered “to call fire down from heaven to destroy them” (NIV Luke 9:54). Their response is interesting for a couple reasons. It suggests they might actually believe they can do that, but it’s also interesting because they view tearing down things as a solution. Jesus merely silenced the two disciples, preferring to move on to the next village.

Of course, there are still a lot of people like James and John. They see something they don’t like–a book, a piece of music, a way of dressing–and they rise in indignation seeking to censor, ban, burn, or legislate the offending behavior. Would Jesus respond to these folks today, the same way he did to his disciples?

Along the way to the next village, someone approached Jesus and asked to join his groupies. The Lord warned the man that discipleship was a tough life. To another potential disciple he said, “Follow me.” The man famously replied, “I need a minute to bury my recently deceased dad.” Jesus dismissed him. What was that about?

I mean this guy came up offering to become a disciple, and Jesus got all in his grill. He told the potential follower, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God” (NIV Luke 9:60). The man just lost his father. Isn’t that a bit harsh?

Or could it be hyperbole? The term is pronounced “high-purr-bo-lee.” It’s defined as exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally. Some scholars have suggested these responses by Jesus are hyperbole. They assume he is exaggerating to make a point. So when he says, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (NIV Luke 9:58), perhaps what he means is that the life of true discipleship is harder than you think it is. Disciples don’t have to worry about work/life balance. It’s only about work

To put context on these events, Jesus knew the end was near. He was focused on the inevitable, soon to happen. “When it came close to the time for his Ascension, he gathered up his courage and steeled himself for the journey to Jerusalem” (THE MESSAGE Luke 9:51). This is not just another trip for him or his disciples.

How many people do you suppose heard Christ’s message, stepped up, and in the heat of the moment said what this man said. “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family” (NIV Luke 9:61). How many excuses did Jesus hear over the years? How many times had potential followers, begged out and never come back. Doesn’t that explain what he says next? “No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day!” (THE MESSAGE Luke 9:62).

Imagine Jesus and his posse coming through the Quad Cities today, and, of course, you get caught up in the spirit of the moment, and offer to sign on to his entourage. What would you tell Jesus? Before you got on the gospel tour bus with him, what would you need to do: turn off the oven, check on your mother, call work and say you need to use some of that vacation time? Surely the Savior would understand you need a moment? Exactly what would be the right time?