Scripture: Luke 9:51–62Preached on: June 29, 2025

Key themes:

* The urgency of Jesus’ call to discipleship

* The cost and clarity of following Jesus

* How our comfort, delays, and divided attention hold us back

* Jesus’ refusal to retaliate when rejected, showing what love looks like

* What it means to put your hand to the plow and not look back

Reflection Questions:

* What’s your version of “first let me…”?

* What comforts or conditions might be delaying your discipleship?

* What would it look like for you to follow Jesus now, without hesitation?Summary:

In this message, Pastor Brian reflects on one of Jesus’ hardest teachings about discipleship in Luke 9:51–62. Why does Jesus seem so intense when people ask to say goodbye or bury a loved one before following him? Because the stakes are high, and the invitation is urgent. This sermon invites you to wrestle with the difference between interest and commitment, between comfort and calling.

Jesus doesn’t call spiritual spectators. He calls disciples—those willing to stay close enough to be covered in his dust. With honesty and grace, Pastor Brian explores what it means to follow Jesus without delay, distraction, or conditions.

Highlights:

* “Jesus doesn’t need volunteers. He calls disciples.”

* “Discipleship is staying close enough to be covered in his dust.”

* “You can’t follow Jesus on your own terms.”

* “If we keep waiting for the ‘right time,’ we may never follow.”

* “Do I want comfort more than I want Jesus?”

* “The time is now. No more delays. Jesus is calling.”

Keywords:

* Discipleship

* Luke 9:51–62

* Urgency of faith

* No turning back

* Following Jesus

* Cost of discipleship

* Full-body faith

* Spiritual delay

* Kingdom of God

* Living faith now

* Surrender

* Jesus-centered life

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