When someone volunteered to be Jesus' disciple, Jesus immediately told him not to expect a roof over his head (Lk 9:58). Jesus clearly expects His disciples to love unconditionally and to expect nothing but the cross (see Lk 9:23).
Jesus called another man to be His disciple. The man accepted the call but said that he would have to wait until after his elderly father died (Lk 9:59). Jesus implied that, if anyone delayed in being His disciple, that man was spiritually dead (Lk 9:60).
Another person volunteered to be Jesus' disciple. He just needed to go home and say "goodbye" to his family (Lk 9:61). Jesus maintained that anyone who did not make discipleship far more important than all other relationships was not fit for the kingdom of God (Lk 9:62).
Being a disciple of Jesus is radical, total, unconditional, and sacrificial. Are you Jesus' disciple on His terms? If so, you are making disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19). Decide to be Jesus' disciple now – no matter what.
PRAYER: | Jesus, if I am Your disciple, I will make disciples who disciple others. I will follow You and take up Your cross. |
PROMISE: | "He does great things past finding out, marvelous things beyond reckoning." –Jb 9:10 |
PRAISE: | St. Therese saw with the eyes of love as she did every little thing with the heart of a child for love of Jesus. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College