2026 Luke 9-4, A Christian or A Disciple? Count the Cost!
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2026-07-26 16:18
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A Christian or A Disciple? Count the Cost!
Luke 9:51-62
The word "Christian" appears just three times in the Bible (Acts 11:26, 26:28, 1 Peter 4:16). In contrast, the word "disciple" appears 269 times, making it overwhelmingly more frequent. "Christian" is the name given by the world to Jesus' disciples. When the world looked at the people attending the church in Antioch, they said, "Oh, they resemble Jesus; they are like little Christ." They named them "Christians” (Acts 11:26). Therefore, the name "Christian" is a title the world used for Jesus' disciples. On the other hand, Jesus called them "disciples." Therefore, our identity is "disciple."
Many people are deceived by the world into thinking that they can become Christians without being disciples. "I am a Christian because I attend Sunday worship service and study Bible.” Do not be deceived. That is the name the world gives you when you come to church. You are to live as disciples of Jesus. A disciple is one who believes in Jesus with a learning mind and commitment.
Someone made a title, "Great Omission." Just before his ascension, Jesus told his disciples, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” This is called, ‘Great Commission,’ the greatest and most crucial mission for Jesus’ disciples. However, there are many who do not live as disciples of Jesus but remain merely Christians who attend church once on Sunday. That is why ‘great omission’ has been made.
Currently, because the church has lost discipleship, it has lost the essence of Christianity. Today, Jesus teaches us discipleship.
First. A disciple is one who saves and bring life.
With power, time, and money from God, never use them to curse or kill anyone including your enemies, but save them. You are to wake up the sleeping, heal the sick, and bring the dead back to life. Jesus came to this earth from heaven to save mankind. Therefore, a disciple of Jesus is one who saves man. If you are indifferent to saving lives, you are not a disciple. We have been called by Jesus to save people from darkness. Are you saving someone right now? Are you planning, praying and going to save someone? Then, you are a disciple of Jesus. If, you say, “I have never saved a single person,” you must examine whether you believe in Jesus or not.
Samaria was destroyed by Assyria in 722 BC. Assyria literally killed all the men of that land and turned it into a mixed-race people through foreigners. The people of southern Judah mocked people in Samaria, “Hey, you are not Jews. You are dogs.” Then Samaritans also hated the Jews. The Samaritans built a temple on Mount Gerizim to worship God instead of going to Jerusalem. A high priest of the Maccabean dynasty destroyed the Gerizim temple. Since then, regional animosity between the two became so severe that they did not associate with each other at all.
Look at verses 51-55. Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them[b]?” Jesus turned and rebuked them. A disciple is one who does not revenge on those who hurt or harm them but forgive, love and save.
The disciples were angry at Samaritans who rejected to provide lodging for Jesus and his people. “We are showing mercy to you, but you reject us? Lord, lets’ destroy them by fire from heaven!” Wou, they are judgmental and dangerous people. Jesus rebuked them. Some other versions say, “Are you out of your mind? I came not to destroy but save them.” Revenge is not God's will. Revenge begets revenge, and war begets war.
Jesus did not revenge on those who betrayed and crucified him. Instead, he prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” We have only one choice: to follow the path of Jesus. If we humans open our eyes and hearts to Jesus, there would be no such horrible wars in this world. If we humans seek Jesus, there would be no painful conflict in family, society and even church. If we are disciples, we must follow Christ’s way. He was not ruled by his emotions. He lived for the mission to save mankind.
If you are rejected, you may be emotionally hurt. However, do not live by your emotions. Do not live with anger and hatred. And do not finish your precious life just working, earning money, or seeking a better life. First, let Jesus’ life be planted in you and plant His life in people's hearts and souls.
Pascal said, “There is an absolute space within us that can never be filled except by God.” We hurt others and are hurt by others. Have you been angry like the two disciples? Then we have to listen to Jesus, “Father forgive them.” And like Jesus we have to focus on mission, not our emotion. Our mission is to witness to Jesus and save people. If you do anything else besides this, you are not a disciple. Saying, "I will become a better person," or "I will do better things," is not the goal. A good life is not the goal. It is to save the weary, thirsty, sick, dying and even enemies by planting Jesus in them. Are you a disciple? Are you saving someone? Or are you indifferent to them, or criticizing and cursing them? I pray that you may save one soul and many souls as disciples of Jesus.
Second, a disciple is someone who pays the price.
Look at verse 57. As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” According to Matthew 8:19, he was a teacher of the law. A teacher of the law was very respected. He is like a prominent law professor. Most of Jesus’ disciples were uneducated nobodies. If a prominent person like a law professor belongs to Jesus’ community, the image of Jesus and his community would be more attractive.
He said, “I will follow you wherever you go.” It seems that he is a man of devotion and determination. But he must have had a hidden motive. In Matthew, he called Jesus ‘rabbi.’ He must have respected Jesus as a great teacher. And he must have expected more popularity, respect and success through Jesus. He expected only glory. What did Jesus reply to him?
Look at verse 58. Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Jesus read his mind. Instead of welcoming him, Jesus poured cold water on his heart. It means, “Hey, are you expecting easy, comfortable and glorious life from me? No. I am homeless. I have no security. I'm poor. I am going to go through narrow road. I am going to Jerusalem to die on the cross. Will you still follow me?”
In verse 51, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. To sit on the throne? To get glory? No! To suffer. To be crucified on the cross. To die to save sinners. That was why Jesus determined. Jesus, the Son of God paid the price to save sinners and restore the kingdom of God on earth.
However, the teacher of the law did not count the cost. Would he live a poor life? Would he live in a shabby one-bed rented room? Would he give up his high income and honorable career to follow Jesus?
Our church is small. We are going on a narrow and rough road with worship, prayer, mission, sacrifice, obedience and dedication. How about you?
Are you determined to pay the price to live as a disciple of Jesus? Athletes undergo grueling training for four years to get gold medals and World Cup championship. Indeed, some people in the world pay a price for their goals. Then wouldn't we have to pay a higher price to follow Jesus and save souls? Yet, to some Christian life is too easy, sweet and comfortable. To them, their work or study or family issue or worldly meeting are always more important than God. So, they come to church on and off. They do not join prayer meeting. They do not try to teach the good news of the kingdom of God. What is it that they actually do?
Folks, a disciple is to pay the price. You cannot live as a disciple if you expect something in this world. Would you pay the price to follow Christ, your Lord? Would you give up your plans or feelings or circumstances to come to worship service faithfully and attend prayer meeting and Bible retreat? Then you will gain glory. This is the path of a disciple.
Third, Priority
Look at verse 59. He said to another man, “Follow me.” He was called by Jesus to become his disciple. This is indeed great privilege and glory. But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” To go and bury a deceased parent was an important duty and Jesus clearly upholds honoring one’s parents. The request seems reasonable on the surface, but his first response was not to obey Jesus immediately but to make an excuse for not flowing him. Burial at this time in Judaism often involved a year-long period from the time when the body was first buried until a year later when the bones of the deceased were placed in an ossuary box. Though this was a basic family obligation, Jesus is teaching the priority of the kingdom over family.
Most likely, his motivation is money. For the Jews, it is important to inherit a fortune from their parents. What he said means that his father was not dead yet. His father might be old. So, he wanted to wait until he would settle all the inheritance after his father’s death. Then he would follow Jesus and dedicate himself to God.
To him, money is priority. To him, his family issue is priority. Often God lets people know his calling. God moves their hearts to do his work now. But they procrastinate it. “After I finish my degree, find a job, make money and buy a house, then I will devote.”
In fact, many people’s priority is not Jesus and his kingdom but something else, like money, family or career. Then they fail to gain eternal blessings.
Jesus tells us to seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness. The kingdom of God is always first. Worship, prayer, and mission are always first. Those who put their priority in Jesus and the kingdom of God never fail.
Look at verse 60. “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” It does not mean we should not attend our fathers’ funeral service. It means that you need to distinguish between urgent and important tasks. People only do seemingly urgent things, “Oh, I have to study, find a job, make money and go to gym to work out.” But they do not make time to do important things; worship, prayer and evangelical work of God.
Jesus taught him priority. He said, “First let me bury my father.” To him, the priority is his family and money. What is priority to you? Isn’t eternal life? Everyone is dead spiritually. They will fall into eternal hell. Therefore, don't dwell on the dead things. Instead, first do the work of reviving the dead. Faith is ultimately a choice. Choose Jesus. Choose man’s soul. That is a life of disciple of Jesus. You will see eternal life, power and fruit that last forever.
Look at verse 61. Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Family is precious. To most people, the first value is family. He said, “Lord, let me first say good by to my family.” Jesus knew that he was using his family as an excuse.
In Genesis 22. Abraham was tested by God to offer his beloved son, Isaac to God. Did Abraham consult with his wife? If he had no intention of offering his son, he would have consulted with Sarah. Then, would Sarah allow? "Are you losing your mind? How dare you kill and offer our only son? No!” Abraham knew it. So, he didn’t tell it to his wife. Abraham truly had the heart to obey God.
There are not a few who say they want to do the Lord's work but claim they can't because of their families. "Oh, I can't come to worship service. I can't go to the retreat. I can't do the work of evangelism. I have a family event." Then, I tried my best to persuade them somehow. I still try, but I’ve come to realize that they aren't disciples. If you don't want to commit, you can make up a hundred reasons or excuses.
Look at verse 62. Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Spiritually, you are a farmer holding the plow. But you look back or the side, you can’t farm. There are many people who say I will follow Jesus but always sensitive to family affairs and the evens of the world. Their hearts are divided.
We need to learn from Jesus who was resolute in his mission without looking back. We need to fix our eyes on Jesus and his kingdom and save souls. Then we are disciples of Jesus. Some argue and worry, “How about food, job, money and family? Should I ignore them?” Hear the Lord’s promise. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
Jesus has called us to die in our egos and self-centered plans. Bonhoeffer’ says, “Faith is to die myself to save others.” This is a life as disciple of Jesus. At the end of this path are the Lord, the kingdom of God and eternal reward.
Luke 9:51-62
The word "Christian" appears just three times in the Bible (Acts 11:26, 26:28, 1 Peter 4:16). In contrast, the word "disciple" appears 269 times, making it overwhelmingly more frequent. "Christian" is the name given by the world to Jesus' disciples. When the world looked at the people attending the church in Antioch, they said, "Oh, they resemble Jesus; they are like little Christ." They named them "Christians” (Acts 11:26). Therefore, the name "Christian" is a title the world used for Jesus' disciples. On the other hand, Jesus called them "disciples." Therefore, our identity is "disciple."
Many people are deceived by the world into thinking that they can become Christians without being disciples. "I am a Christian because I attend Sunday worship service and study Bible.” Do not be deceived. That is the name the world gives you when you come to church. You are to live as disciples of Jesus. A disciple is one who believes in Jesus with a learning mind and commitment.
Someone made a title, "Great Omission." Just before his ascension, Jesus told his disciples, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” This is called, ‘Great Commission,’ the greatest and most crucial mission for Jesus’ disciples. However, there are many who do not live as disciples of Jesus but remain merely Christians who attend church once on Sunday. That is why ‘great omission’ has been made.
Currently, because the church has lost discipleship, it has lost the essence of Christianity. Today, Jesus teaches us discipleship.
First. A disciple is one who saves and bring life.
With power, time, and money from God, never use them to curse or kill anyone including your enemies, but save them. You are to wake up the sleeping, heal the sick, and bring the dead back to life. Jesus came to this earth from heaven to save mankind. Therefore, a disciple of Jesus is one who saves man. If you are indifferent to saving lives, you are not a disciple. We have been called by Jesus to save people from darkness. Are you saving someone right now? Are you planning, praying and going to save someone? Then, you are a disciple of Jesus. If, you say, “I have never saved a single person,” you must examine whether you believe in Jesus or not.
Samaria was destroyed by Assyria in 722 BC. Assyria literally killed all the men of that land and turned it into a mixed-race people through foreigners. The people of southern Judah mocked people in Samaria, “Hey, you are not Jews. You are dogs.” Then Samaritans also hated the Jews. The Samaritans built a temple on Mount Gerizim to worship God instead of going to Jerusalem. A high priest of the Maccabean dynasty destroyed the Gerizim temple. Since then, regional animosity between the two became so severe that they did not associate with each other at all.
Look at verses 51-55. Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them[b]?” Jesus turned and rebuked them. A disciple is one who does not revenge on those who hurt or harm them but forgive, love and save.
The disciples were angry at Samaritans who rejected to provide lodging for Jesus and his people. “We are showing mercy to you, but you reject us? Lord, lets’ destroy them by fire from heaven!” Wou, they are judgmental and dangerous people. Jesus rebuked them. Some other versions say, “Are you out of your mind? I came not to destroy but save them.” Revenge is not God's will. Revenge begets revenge, and war begets war.
Jesus did not revenge on those who betrayed and crucified him. Instead, he prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” We have only one choice: to follow the path of Jesus. If we humans open our eyes and hearts to Jesus, there would be no such horrible wars in this world. If we humans seek Jesus, there would be no painful conflict in family, society and even church. If we are disciples, we must follow Christ’s way. He was not ruled by his emotions. He lived for the mission to save mankind.
If you are rejected, you may be emotionally hurt. However, do not live by your emotions. Do not live with anger and hatred. And do not finish your precious life just working, earning money, or seeking a better life. First, let Jesus’ life be planted in you and plant His life in people's hearts and souls.
Pascal said, “There is an absolute space within us that can never be filled except by God.” We hurt others and are hurt by others. Have you been angry like the two disciples? Then we have to listen to Jesus, “Father forgive them.” And like Jesus we have to focus on mission, not our emotion. Our mission is to witness to Jesus and save people. If you do anything else besides this, you are not a disciple. Saying, "I will become a better person," or "I will do better things," is not the goal. A good life is not the goal. It is to save the weary, thirsty, sick, dying and even enemies by planting Jesus in them. Are you a disciple? Are you saving someone? Or are you indifferent to them, or criticizing and cursing them? I pray that you may save one soul and many souls as disciples of Jesus.
Second, a disciple is someone who pays the price.
Look at verse 57. As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” According to Matthew 8:19, he was a teacher of the law. A teacher of the law was very respected. He is like a prominent law professor. Most of Jesus’ disciples were uneducated nobodies. If a prominent person like a law professor belongs to Jesus’ community, the image of Jesus and his community would be more attractive.
He said, “I will follow you wherever you go.” It seems that he is a man of devotion and determination. But he must have had a hidden motive. In Matthew, he called Jesus ‘rabbi.’ He must have respected Jesus as a great teacher. And he must have expected more popularity, respect and success through Jesus. He expected only glory. What did Jesus reply to him?
Look at verse 58. Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Jesus read his mind. Instead of welcoming him, Jesus poured cold water on his heart. It means, “Hey, are you expecting easy, comfortable and glorious life from me? No. I am homeless. I have no security. I'm poor. I am going to go through narrow road. I am going to Jerusalem to die on the cross. Will you still follow me?”
In verse 51, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. To sit on the throne? To get glory? No! To suffer. To be crucified on the cross. To die to save sinners. That was why Jesus determined. Jesus, the Son of God paid the price to save sinners and restore the kingdom of God on earth.
However, the teacher of the law did not count the cost. Would he live a poor life? Would he live in a shabby one-bed rented room? Would he give up his high income and honorable career to follow Jesus?
Our church is small. We are going on a narrow and rough road with worship, prayer, mission, sacrifice, obedience and dedication. How about you?
Are you determined to pay the price to live as a disciple of Jesus? Athletes undergo grueling training for four years to get gold medals and World Cup championship. Indeed, some people in the world pay a price for their goals. Then wouldn't we have to pay a higher price to follow Jesus and save souls? Yet, to some Christian life is too easy, sweet and comfortable. To them, their work or study or family issue or worldly meeting are always more important than God. So, they come to church on and off. They do not join prayer meeting. They do not try to teach the good news of the kingdom of God. What is it that they actually do?
Folks, a disciple is to pay the price. You cannot live as a disciple if you expect something in this world. Would you pay the price to follow Christ, your Lord? Would you give up your plans or feelings or circumstances to come to worship service faithfully and attend prayer meeting and Bible retreat? Then you will gain glory. This is the path of a disciple.
Third, Priority
Look at verse 59. He said to another man, “Follow me.” He was called by Jesus to become his disciple. This is indeed great privilege and glory. But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” To go and bury a deceased parent was an important duty and Jesus clearly upholds honoring one’s parents. The request seems reasonable on the surface, but his first response was not to obey Jesus immediately but to make an excuse for not flowing him. Burial at this time in Judaism often involved a year-long period from the time when the body was first buried until a year later when the bones of the deceased were placed in an ossuary box. Though this was a basic family obligation, Jesus is teaching the priority of the kingdom over family.
Most likely, his motivation is money. For the Jews, it is important to inherit a fortune from their parents. What he said means that his father was not dead yet. His father might be old. So, he wanted to wait until he would settle all the inheritance after his father’s death. Then he would follow Jesus and dedicate himself to God.
To him, money is priority. To him, his family issue is priority. Often God lets people know his calling. God moves their hearts to do his work now. But they procrastinate it. “After I finish my degree, find a job, make money and buy a house, then I will devote.”
In fact, many people’s priority is not Jesus and his kingdom but something else, like money, family or career. Then they fail to gain eternal blessings.
Jesus tells us to seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness. The kingdom of God is always first. Worship, prayer, and mission are always first. Those who put their priority in Jesus and the kingdom of God never fail.
Look at verse 60. “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” It does not mean we should not attend our fathers’ funeral service. It means that you need to distinguish between urgent and important tasks. People only do seemingly urgent things, “Oh, I have to study, find a job, make money and go to gym to work out.” But they do not make time to do important things; worship, prayer and evangelical work of God.
Jesus taught him priority. He said, “First let me bury my father.” To him, the priority is his family and money. What is priority to you? Isn’t eternal life? Everyone is dead spiritually. They will fall into eternal hell. Therefore, don't dwell on the dead things. Instead, first do the work of reviving the dead. Faith is ultimately a choice. Choose Jesus. Choose man’s soul. That is a life of disciple of Jesus. You will see eternal life, power and fruit that last forever.
Look at verse 61. Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Family is precious. To most people, the first value is family. He said, “Lord, let me first say good by to my family.” Jesus knew that he was using his family as an excuse.
In Genesis 22. Abraham was tested by God to offer his beloved son, Isaac to God. Did Abraham consult with his wife? If he had no intention of offering his son, he would have consulted with Sarah. Then, would Sarah allow? "Are you losing your mind? How dare you kill and offer our only son? No!” Abraham knew it. So, he didn’t tell it to his wife. Abraham truly had the heart to obey God.
There are not a few who say they want to do the Lord's work but claim they can't because of their families. "Oh, I can't come to worship service. I can't go to the retreat. I can't do the work of evangelism. I have a family event." Then, I tried my best to persuade them somehow. I still try, but I’ve come to realize that they aren't disciples. If you don't want to commit, you can make up a hundred reasons or excuses.
Look at verse 62. Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Spiritually, you are a farmer holding the plow. But you look back or the side, you can’t farm. There are many people who say I will follow Jesus but always sensitive to family affairs and the evens of the world. Their hearts are divided.
We need to learn from Jesus who was resolute in his mission without looking back. We need to fix our eyes on Jesus and his kingdom and save souls. Then we are disciples of Jesus. Some argue and worry, “How about food, job, money and family? Should I ignore them?” Hear the Lord’s promise. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
Jesus has called us to die in our egos and self-centered plans. Bonhoeffer’ says, “Faith is to die myself to save others.” This is a life as disciple of Jesus. At the end of this path are the Lord, the kingdom of God and eternal reward.