Jesus makes a bold claim in Luke. He says, “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Jesus expects us to forsake everything we have in this life in order to follow Him. He gives two analogies. One of a man who does not have enough to build a tower, and the second of a king going to war against a larger army. This describes us. We do not have materials sufficient to build what God requires, and we do not have armaments sufficient to withstand the wrath of God against our sin.

The solution is not to gather more building material; nor is it to recruit more soldiers or procure more weapons. You can’t enter heaven through self righteousness, brute force, or works: you must forsake all that you have.

Have you forsaken everything for Christ? What have you given up? Does your life look any different at all? The answer to these questions is urgent. Jesus doesn’t speak lightly here. Again, He says, “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”

The calling of Jesus not only requires total forsaking: the abandonment of all self-reliance, self-righteousness, self-wisdom, of self in full; but it also often does not come at an opportune time. What I mean is that Jesus’ calling for us interrupts our lives. Recall how Jesus called the first few disciples; they were all working at their jobs and Jesus told them to leave behind everything and follow Him. That surely wasn’t opportune if you view it after the flesh. We read,

"And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And He saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And the straightaway left their nets, and followed Him." [Mt 4:18-20]

"And going on from thence, He saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed Him." [Mt 4:21-22]

"And as Jesus passed forth from thence, He saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and He saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed Him." [Mt 9:9]

Jesus’ call is in terms of salvation, and it is in terms of Christian calling. Even after we get saved, Jesus still continues to call us. Jesus, it seems, loves to call us at “inopportune” times; He tests our faith with this. Are you willing to give up what you hold dear in order to follow Jesus? Am I willing to give up the preconceptions of where my life should go, what my ministry should look like, etc.? We must all grow in this. We must forsake all and follow Him.

CONCLUSION

Jesus’ command is very simple. “Follow Me.” He doesn’t give any reasoning; nor does He give any strategic speeches. Jesus, The Christ of Almighty God, He calls each of us. If Jesus’ life and character are not sufficient to convince you to abandon your life and follow God’s Son, then you are not worthy of Him.