Putting Christ Last

Luke 9:57-62

Why is it that too often people have put, or they are putting Christ last? Here the questions are asked about the requirements for following Jesus, not the way to salvation. The cost of discipleship is brought out in this passage of scripture.

In verses 57-58:
The first man is impulsive. He said that he would follow. Jesus said that the Son of man had no place to lay his head. This signifies that "the man" would have to give up his lifestyle, and that following Jesus "the man" would be rejected by the world as Christ was rejected.

In verses 59-60:
The second man seemed willing, but he wanted to bury his father first. Jesus wasn't saying that the man could not go to the funeral. Apparently, the man was putting human affections before doing the Lord's will. This signifies that the man was more concerned with something else than the Lord.

In verses 61-62:
The third man seems anxious but volunteered. However, his family had to come first. It looks like he didn't want to have to sacrifice something. Jesus says no man can plow and look back. Plowing requires one to continually look forward. For one to look back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.

Some Christians Put Christ Last:

• Do we put people first?
• Do we put our finances first?
• 1 Timothy 6:10, For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
• Do we put our time first?
• Do we put our work/jobs first?
• What have we placed before our service to Jesus?

Sinners Put Christ Last:

• I am too young; I have plenty of time.
• I must enjoy the pleasures of life.
• I need to make my fortune.
• I need to live life to the fullest while I can.
• What will others say about them?
• What have they placed before accepting Christ?

Those Who Have Put Christ Last:

• They are not willing to accept man's disapproval for God's approval.
• They are not fit for God's Kingdom.
• They have put worldly items before God
• Exodus 20:3-5, Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

We cannot have a half-hearted commitment. We cannot pick and choose where and how to follow. We must accept the cross along with the crown; accept the judgment as well as mercy. We must count the cost and be willing to abandon it all. Do not allow anything to distract us from the manner of living Christ calls us to. If we intend on following Christ, we need to put aside worldly things. We cannot profess Christ and covet the world. At the judgment seat, what will happen to you then, knowing that you have put Christ last in your life?

• Matthew 6:24, No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.