The Preacher's Lectionary Notebook - In Following Jesus, There Is No Fine Print
The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Year A)
Jesus prepares his disciples for the realities of following him in a world that will not always welcome the message. These words come as Jesus sends the Twelve out on mission; he wants them to understand both the privileges and the costs of discipleship. Instead of selling a very unrealistic vision for success and acceptance, Jesus speaks honestly about opposition, fear, loyalty, and commitment. In following Jesus, there is no fine print. Everything is explained up front.
Jesus starts by telling his followers that a disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. They should expect the same treatment if people have rejected and insulted Jesus. The principle is simple. People who identify with Christ will deal with some of the same resistance that he did. Faithfulness does not automatically mean approval. Jesus teaches the opposite. Faithfulness may result in misunderstanding, criticism, persecution, and even death.
At the same time, Jesus tells his disciples not to be afraid. He confronts fear three times in this section. He says what is hidden will eventually be revealed and that the truth of God’s kingdom cannot remain hidden forever. The disciples are to tell the world what they have learned from him. And their message would not be a secret but revealed to the world in boldness.
Jesus then turns to the real object of fear. Human beings can hurt the body, but they cannot ultimately destroy the spirit. God alone has the ultimate authority. And from this perspective, we can put the earthly threats in their proper context. We are scared of others’ opinions and actions because they can be threatening. But Jesus reminds us that God’s authority is much higher than anything anyone can do.
Jesus comforts the disciples with an image of God’s care. Jesus points to sparrows, birds of little value in the marketplace, and says not one falls apart from the Father’s knowledge. Jesus tells them that they are worth more than many sparrows. Even the hairs of their heads are numbered. God’s knowledge of his people is detailed. We never suffer hardship unnoticed by our heavenly Father.
Jesus emphasizes the truth that we must publicly acknowledge him. Those who acknowledge him before others will be acknowledged before the Father. Those who deny him are in reality showing a lack of loyalty. Following Jesus is not just a private matter of belief. It is a public identification with him and his mission.
Probably the most difficult part of this passage is that Jesus speaks not of peace but a sword. He is not suggesting nor promoting violence. The Lord is describing the division that may be experienced because we are committed to him. Loyalty to Christ can cause conflict even in families. When there is conflict to be had, it is only for the sake of Jesus to take precedence over all other relationships. We are called to love family deeply, but our highest allegiance belongs to Christ.
The section concludes with Jesus’ well-known call to take up the cross. Before the cross became a Christian symbol, it represented horror and state-sponsored terror. Discipleship is one of self-denial and commitment. But those who cling tight to their lives will lose them, and those who surrender their lives for Christ’s sake will live. Discipleship can be costly, and the one who gave himself for us will reward such faithfulness.
FOR FURTHER EXPLORATION
Why does Jesus repeatedly tell his disciples not to fear in this passage?
What does it mean to publicly acknowledge Christ in everyday life?
How does Jesus’ call to take up the cross challenge our understanding of discipleship today?