Go Big OR Go Home:

In 1517, three ships under the command of Hernández de Córdoba sailed west and explored the Yucatán peninsula. Upon arrival, the soldiers disembarked but were attacked at night by Mayans armed with arrows and spears. Twenty soldiers died, including de Córdoba himself. The surviving crew faced a choice: stay and complete the exploration, thereby gaining historical renown and reward from their governor, or get back on their ships and hightail it out of there. They chose the ships and sailed home in a hurry.

Two years later the expedition was attempted again, this time commanded by Hernán Cortés. He was so committed to the mission that he sold everything he had to finance it. He sailed with 11 ships, manned by 100 sailors and 500 soldiers. Legend has it that when he landed at Veracruz, Mexico, he told his crew to offload everything they had brought with them. He then set fire to all 11 ships.

Imagine the 600 men standing on the beach watching their only way back home burning to ashes. No matter how fierce the fighting would be, retreat was not an option.

Jesus calls us to burn our ships. He wants the same dedication and unflinching commitment to all who call themselves his followers. When you turn to Christ you set ablaze the boats that could take you back to your old life. With that in mind, let’s consider Luke 9:57-62Open in Logos Bible Software (if available).


3 Ships that Prevent Commitment to Christ

1. Personal Comfort

Luke 9:57-58Open in Logos Bible Software (if available) As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

This guy is low hanging fruit, ripe for the plucking. He doesn’t even wait for the gospel presentation. But instead of saying, “I see that hand, praise God, hallelujah…” Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

In other words: “You’re signing the dotted line without reading the contract.” Jesus discerns this man’s heart and knows that there’s a certain level of basic comfort that he feels is needed for life. So Jesus picks at that loose end to unravel his half-hearted commitment.

Jesus wants followers with their eyes wide open. Look at Luke 9:23Open in Logos Bible Software (if available) And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Comfort is one of the most common reasons people won’t commit to Christ. They want enough Christianity to feel saved, but just ask them to serve, to give financially, to change the way they use debt and what they do with their time… they will hit the eject button.

But there are only 2 categories: fanatic follower or fake follower.

2. Priority Confusion

Luke 9:59Open in Logos Bible Software (if available) To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

This time Jesus initiates. He commands this man to follow him. And he agrees….on condition: (vs 59) But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”

But… (vs 60) Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

Wow, this seems a bit harsh, doesn’t it?

In those days the Jews didn’t have morgues with refrigerators. So when a person died the burial happened that day. From this we surmise that this man’s father had not died yet (or he would be at home burying the him). In all likelihood “bury my father” was a euphemism for “get my inheritance.”

So this guy is saying to Jesus, “I do want to commit to you, but I have one higher priority: to see my share of the wealth allocated to me.”

Expecting an inheritance isn’t a sin. But it’s a confusion of priorities.

Our top priority is always to obey Jesus. And this guy has a direct command from the Lord: follow me! But his response is “Okay, but on one condition.”

You might fill your life with neutral things like games and gardening, or even good things like chauffeuring your kids around and working hard. These are good priorities.

But do they crowd out your devotions, your church attendance, your home group participation?
Do you live as if there is something more important in this life than Jesus?

Don’t get busy with good things and ignore the best thing.

3. Postponed Commitment

Luke 9:61-62Open in Logos Bible Software (if available) Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

This applicant makes a commitment on the spot. But he sneaks a timing clause into the contract. “I will follow you in the future, but not right now.”

Another reasonable request, you may say. But it betrays a principle that is unacceptable to Christ: a timing condition.

Many people stumble over the procrastination hurdle. You want to be committed, just not today.

Very few would say “I reject Jesus,” so instead they say “I will commit later.”
I’ll commit when I’m out of university. I’ll give financially when I’m out of debt. I’ll serve in the church after this busy season in my career.

What does Jesus think of that? (vs 62) Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

A hesitant disciple is a non-disciple.

It’s never too late to commit. But make sure when you do, it’s complete and unflinching. If you are backslidden in your walk, repent today, not tomorrow. And never look back.

Go big or go home.