Luke 14:25-33
Lead in: “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, he
cannot be my disciple.” Jesus’ words seem shocking to us. A commentary gives this explanation. The Greek word that is translated “hate” might better be understood as “prefer”. Thus, Jesus’ words might be understood as, “whoever prefers family over me cannot be my disciple.” Understood this way, the cost of discipleship means challenging choices that limit how much we’re willing to sacrifice to be a disciple of Jesus.
Prompt: Where is it in your life that your preference for comfort and security might limit what you’re willing to sacrifice to be a true follower of Jesus?
Lead in: In today’s language, how might we put Jesus’ challenge to us in Luke 14? The Message translation by Eugene Peterson puts it this way, “If you are not willing to take what is dearest to you and kiss it goodbye, you can’t be my disciple.”
Prompt: Where do Jesus’ words to you on discipleship challenge you the most?
Lead in: Reflecting on the words of Jesus on the cost of discipleship calls to mind a prayer of
St. Ignatius, “Take Lord and receive, all that I have is yours. Give me your love. That is enough for me.” It was in that spirit that Abraham might have prayed as he was about to sacrifice his son Issaac on the altar. This complete surrender to God seems to require a kind of heroic love that is beyond average people like you and me. Yet, God gives us the grace to do the seemingly impossible.
Prompt: Reflect on a time when you were given the grace to do the seemingly impossible, and so were able to succeed in accomplishing something that surprised even you.
Lead in: In Paul’s Letter to Philemon, we hear the story of the slave Onesimus who escaped from his master Philemon and is mentored by the apostle Paul. With Paul’s encouragement, Onesimus returns to his master. He carries with him a heartfelt letter from Paul exhorting Philemon to have mercy on his wayward slave.
Prompt: Who have been the mentors who have made a difference in your life?
Prompt: Who is it that has gone to bat for you when you were in a tight spot?
Lead in: Jesus’ invitation to take up our cross can feel like an obligation we dread doing. Yet, it doesn’t have to be that way. If seen as our way of walking with Jesus, the cross we carry suddenly feels lighter.
Prompt: What is the cross in your life that is most challenging to you?
Prompt: What would it take to change that cross from a burden you bear to a gift that has blessed you?