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In Luke 9:57-62, Jesus encounters three would-be disciples.  Jesus successfully called individuals to follow Him.  That is how He selected the twelve apostles.  However, there were others who wanted to follow Jesus, but were not willing to pay the costs of discipleship.  Jesus was not shy about preparing people for discipleship. While everyone is invited by the Lord to follow Him, not everyone will answer the call.  Discipleship is most rewarding, but, it is also very demanding.  If you are looking for a convenient religion, Christianity is not the one for you.  Yet, it is the only one where you will find salvation (Acts 4:12).  Jesus clearly taught that there were two ways that people travel.  The broad way that leads to destruction and the narrow way that leads to life (Matt. 7:13-14).  Obviously, we choose which pathway we follow.  But, there is only one that leads to everlasting life.
Three Would-Be Disciples
In Luke 9:57-58, we are introduced to a would-be disciple that states, “I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.”  This person seems willing and eager to follow Jesus.  Yet, he/she seems to have a shallow understanding of the cost.  Jesus’ reply was that the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head.  Jesus seems to be saying, “don’t underestimate the degree of self-sacrifice involved in discipleship.  When following Jesus we must understand the nature of the pursuit.  We do not serve Him for material gain.  Nor do we serve Him for immediate gratification.  We do not follow Him for what we can get out of it as much as for what we can contribute to the kingdom.  Disciples of Jesus are involved in selfless service for a heavenly reward!
The second would-be disciple says, “Suffer me first to go and bury my father.”  Jewish people took burying their dead very seriously.  It was important and was to be done expeditiously.  Burial was a way of showing respect to the deceased and honoring them.  It was a family duty.  Jesus said, “Let the dead bury the dead.”  Let the spiritually dead bury the physically dead. “But go thou and preach the kingdom of God.”  Preaching the kingdom of God was more important.  Disciples of Jesus must get their priorities right.  Spiritual service in the kingdom of God must not be supplanted by activities that are less important.  In Matt. 6:33, Jesus affirmed that we must seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
The third would-be disciple said, “I will follow thee, but let me go first and bid them farewell which are at my home.”  Most will admit that family ties are important.  Jesus said to this person, “No man having put his hand to the plow and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God.”  The would-be disciple made the mistake of saying that he/she would follow Jesus, but….” “I will, but” introduces a qualification.  If one qualification is permitted, then, why not a dozen, a hundred, or even a thousand?  This view diminishes the level of commitment involved in discipleship and weakens the kingdom.  Think about this, what if everyone in the kingdom of God had the same level of commitment that I have, what would the kingdom of God look like?  A diminished commitment will affect fruitfulness and productivity.  It diminishes perseverance and endurance.  When the Christian life gets difficult, it is easier to abandon it altogether.  Jesus warned about this very thing in the Parable of the Sower (Matt. 13:20-21).  The stoney ground represented a human heart where the seed does not develop strong roots and when persecution arises, the person falls away.  Paul gives an example of such diminished commitment in Demas who he states had “forsaken me having loved this present world” (II Tim. 4:10).  Disciples of Jesus must not be quitters!
What Can We Conclude About Discipleship?
First, look for spiritual not material gain.  Second, the kingdom of God must come first.  Third, persevere unto the end.  Be strong in your commitment to the Lord.  Never quit.  The commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ must be absolute and never qualified.  There are no excuses for failing to be what God wants us to be.  If we do fail, we must correct this sin in our life and renew our commitment to Christ.  “Follow me” is personal.  The relationship that is created through redemption is secured on His terms not ours.  We must be willing to follow Him wherever He leads without reservations.  The kingdom of God and His righteousness must come first above all else.  We must be finishers not quitters.  Disciples obey Jesus and follow His example in all things.
Are you a would-be disciple of Jesus?  If so, count the cost of following Him.  Also, count the cost of not following Him (John 8:24).  Then, decide.  Once, you commit to following Him, don’t look back!