The cost of discipleship - O le tau o le avea ma soo

Scripture Focus: Luka 9:46-62

There arose an argument among them about which of them was the greatest. Jesus, perceiving the reasoning of their hearts, took a little child, and set him by his side, and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in my name receives me. Whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For whoever is least among you all, this one will be great.” John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he doesn’t follow with us.” Jesus said to him, “Don’t forbid him, for he who is not against us is for us.” It came to pass, when the days were near that he should be taken up, he intently set his face to go to Jerusalem, and sent messengers before his face. They went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, so as to prepare for him. They didn’t receive him, because he was traveling with his face set towards Jerusalem. When his disciples, James and John, saw this, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from the sky, and destroy them, just as Elijah did?” But he turned and rebuked them, “You don’t know of what kind of spirit you are. For the Son of Man didn’t come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” They went to another village. As they went on the way, a certain man said to him, “I want to follow you wherever you go, Lord.” Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” He said to another, “Follow me!” But he said, “Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead, but you go and announce the Kingdom of God.” Another also said, “I want to follow you, Lord, but first allow me to say good-bye to those who are at my house.” But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God.”
- Luke 9:46-62 (WEB)

Study:

This passage reveals the true cost and heart of discipleship according to Jesus. The disciples argue about who among them is the greatest, but Jesus instead points to humility, welcoming the least as true greatness. He warns against exclusivism by affirming those who act in His name, even if they are not part of the immediate group. When rejected by the Samaritans on His journey to Jerusalem, Jesus rejects retaliation, emphasizing His mission to save rather than destroy. Finally, He challenges those who express a desire to follow Him by highlighting the sacrifices it demands: no permanent home, urgent obedience over social obligations, and undivided commitment without turning back. Discipleship is costly, requiring a heart fully devoted to God's kingdom above all else.

Application:

In our daily lives, following Jesus means more than words or incomplete commitments. It calls for humility, welcoming others with love, and recognizing God's work beyond our own circles. Jesus’ example encourages patience and mercy rather than retaliation, even when we face rejection. The cost of discipleship challenges us to keep our focus on God’s kingdom first—sometimes at the expense of comfort, security, or social expectations. Today, we are invited to evaluate our commitment and to respond with full trust and willingness to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, no matter the cost.

Reflection Questions:

• What does Jesus mean when He says, "Whoever is least among you all, this one will be great"?
• How do you respond when you see God working through people outside your own Christian community?
• In what ways might you be called to sacrifice comfort or social expectations to follow Jesus more closely?
• Are there things in your life that you are "looking back" at that might be hindering your full commitment to the Kingdom of God?
• How can you show mercy and patience instead of retaliation when rejected for your faith?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us the true cost of following You. Help us to humble ourselves, to welcome others with faith, and to keep our eyes fixed on Your kingdom. Give us the courage to forsake comfort and distractions, and the strength to follow You wholeheartedly, trusting in Your saving grace. Teach us to be patient and merciful, reflecting Your love even when faced with rejection. Amen.

Tags: cost of discipleship, following Jesus, Luke 9, humility in faith, Christian commitment, serve God, Kingdom of God, discipleship challenges, faith and sacrifice, gospel of Luke