From Big Fan to True Disciple

From Big Fan to True Disciple – Today’s scripture is a scene from Luke where Jesus is addressing the crowds and challenges them in a number of ways, some of which seem very harsh. Carol begins by talking about Taylor Swift and the hordes of her fans. This story in Luke has Jesus surrounded by hordes of people, fans, who travel with Jesus. In the Gospel of Luke there are concentric circles of people with Jesus, the closest of which is his group of disciples. This story distinguishes what it means to be a disciple as opposed to being a fan of Jesus, and the question for us is whether we are fans or disciples. Carol refers to a sermon of John Wesley called, “Almost Christian.” This challenge by Jesus in Luke for people to be disciples can seem very challenging for us. In the story, Jesus doesn’t reject or condemn those who aren’t disciples but is inviting them to become disciples. This comparison is also hyperbole, telling them/us that to become a disciple we have to be all-in and live a life of full commitment. When Jesus says, “If you do not hate” family, he likely does not mean for you turn your life against your family, but letting the love of Christ be your guide is crucial. On another of the points in the words of Jesus, the question is how we manage our possessions and regard them. For us, the question is whether we’re a fan or a disciple. Jesus does not reject those who aren’t disciples, but he encourages them, and us, to commit to move toward discipleship.