What Are We Without Our Stuff?

Read Luke 14.24-33

Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost, September 4, 2022

The early part of Luke 14 emphasises the redemption and freedom that Jesus brings and the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom. However, those inclusive and redemptive themes should not dull our sense that here in today’s Gospel texts are some hard sayings of Jesus. We would all prefer for the preacher to tell us about God’s covenant loyalty, His redemption, and salvation, but here’s where the rubber meets the road we cannot neglect what is expected from us (his followers) in return. Salvation in Jesus is not merely a transaction, it is a heart relationship, and no relationship lasts without loyal commitments and actions. Because the one who redeems us also calls us into costly discipleship. Jesus’ command to “Follow me” is both a gift and a demand.