A Sermon Summary of Luke 9:51-10:24
In the captivating tale of “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien, we are immersed in the journey of Frodo Baggins and his companions as they embark on a perilous quest to save their beloved home, “The Shire.” Their mission was to undertake a daunting expedition and cast the malevolent ring of power into the fiery abyss of Mordor, while overcoming numerous obstacles and battling the forces of evil along the way. During a pivotal moment in their odyssey, as they gaze across the mountainous path toward their destination, a fellow hobbit named Sam articulated this sentiment:
“Mordor. The one place in Middle-earth we don’t want to see any closer, and the one place we’re trying to get to.”
In the Gospel of Luke, we encounter a pivotal moment in the narrative, a turning point marked by Luke 9:51:
When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. (Lk 9:51, ESV)
This verse serves as a hinge, signaling a significant shift in Jesus’ ministry and focus. As we delve into Luke 9:51-10:24, we explore the challenges and joys of following Jesus on the road, examining three key aspects of following well: Long suffering, Letting go of excuses, and the Cultivation of Joy.
- Following Jesus with Long Suffering (Luke 9:51-56):
The journey with Jesus often demands patience and endurance. In Luke 9:51-56, we witness the Samaritan village rejecting Jesus, prompting James and John to suggest calling down fire from heaven. Yet, Jesus rebukes them. Following Jesus involves a commitment to long suffering – enduring rejection and misunderstanding without responding in anger or retaliation. It’s a call to emulate Christ’s patience, who, despite rejection, continued his journey with unwavering determination.
- Following Jesus without Excuses (Luke 9:57-62):
In the subsequent verses, Jesus encounters individuals expressing their desire to follow Him. However, Jesus’ responses highlight the necessity of commitment without excuses. He challenges a would-be follower who hesitates, urging the importance of prioritizing the kingdom of God over personal concerns.
- Following Christ comes with a great cost.
- Following Christ is absolutely urgent.
- Following Christ must take top priority.
Following Jesus requires wholehearted dedication, free from the hindrance of excuses. It’s a reminder that our allegiance to Christ should surpass any temporal attachments or hesitations.
III. Following Jesus with Joy (Luke 10:1-24):
The next section of our journey reveals the sending out of the seventy-two disciples. In their return, they rejoice in the authority given to them by Jesus over the enemy. Following Jesus is not just about enduring and committing; it is also about experiencing profound joy in His service. The disciples find joy not in their accomplishments but in the transformative power of Christ working through them. True joy is discovered in embracing the privilege of being instruments in God’s hands, with our names written in heaven. This wonderful reality is also what brings joy to Jesus. (Heb 12:1-3)
As we navigate traveling the road with Christ, let us heed the call to long suffering, enduring rejection without resentment. Let us cast aside excuses and embrace wholehearted commitment to the kingdom. Ultimately, may our journey with Jesus be characterized by profound joy, finding delight in serving Him and witnessing the transformative power of His love in our lives and the lives of others.
