Commentaries on Gospel Events

Demands of Discipleship

c. Sept A. D. 29

Galilee

It is comforting that in none of the cases where the demands of discipleship were too great for the volunteer did Jesus give indication they would lose their salvation.

I take it they just miss out on the "Wedding Supper."

Also, in none of the cases did Jesus first say to them "follow me" as he did to Matthew, Peter, John, etc.

How about the case of Elijah's call to Elisha. (1 Kings 19:19-21).

1Ki 19:19 So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.

1Ki 19:20 And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?

1Ki 19:21 And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.

Looks like Elisha got a chance to say good-bye to his family.  The difference is probably in who is doing the calling.

 

Matthew

Luke

Mat 8:18 Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. Mat 8:19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. Mat 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. Mat 8:21 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Mat 8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

Luk 9:57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. Luk 9:58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. Luk 9:59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Luk 9:60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. Luk 9:61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. Luk 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.