Sometimes in life, a person knows exactly what to do.
But at other times, well – what you thought was a good idea comes up sour.

The disciples had seen a change in their master.
A determined look crossing his face. The bible tells us, "Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem." Older translations say "He set his face towards Jerusalem." You probably know the look – eyes focussed, jaw set, muscles tight – determined to get the job done.
        The job would require a trip to Jerusalem. That much the disciples knew. That this job would involve a cross, suffering and the death of their master;
        that the weight of the world’s sin would be on his shoulders;
        that he would face the full fury of hell and be totally abandoned by heaven;
                the disciples didn’t see or understand that.

But they knew something big was up.
And they were ready for it...... they thought. They’re ready to go full bore for the Master. Till some surprising twists jolt them into sober second thought.

Like this Samaritan thing –
        You’ve got to understand that there was no love lost between Samaritans and Jews. They hated each other. Samaritans would lose no opportunity to get back at the Jews who had snubbed and sidelined them for centuries. So when Jesus sends word that he’d like some lodging for himself and 12 buddies, lodging on the way to worship as a Jew in the centre of the Jewish faith.....
        ..... hey, it doesn’t take membership in Mensa to figure out that the answer would probably be, "NO."
        No more than to anticipate the Jewish disciples’ response. James and John, to whom Jesus had given the nickname "Sons of Thunder" (Mk 3:17), piping up, "We’ll blast ‘em, Lord!"
                They thought it was a good idea. Get rid of anyone who stood in the Master’s way. God would be pleased.

But their request to the Son of God was not pleasing to God. His holy desire was not to "blast ‘em." Rather, as Prophet Ezekiel says, "For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!" (Ez 18:32). His first objective was to save lives, not destroy them; to heal, not aggressively crush.
        And so Jesus walks on, giving the people of this region another chance on another day. He walks on, after a firm rebuke to disciples who were feeling pretty smug at the moment, pretty self-confident in their position with Jesus. Their haughty spirit, an inner attitude ready to cut others out of the salvation picture, doesn’t cut it with Jesus;
        He carries on towards Jerusalem, where the real battle would be fought – between himself and Satan, the battle on the cross, the battle for salvation.

        This is the Christ who claims ownership over the children we baptised this morning. Nicolette, Jacob – Jesus desires their eternal life, not death. He desires to draw them in, not shove them to the side.
        This is the Master who calls us to share the faith in a contagious manner; to truly reach out as a community of baptizing believers – inviting others to join in, rather than condemning and pointing smug fingers at those who don’t understand or don’t respond in the way we think they should or the time we think is right.
        As our church’s motto states - this is what glorifies God, bringing the life changing message of Christ to our neighbours....... not standing by and with quick easy words condemning those on the outside.
                Can we hear his rebuke?
                Will we take up his caring challenge?

And.....

Will we also hear his personal challenge?
See – it’s very easy to point accusing fingers at others.
        They didn’t respond.
        Their faith is inadequate.
        Their way of doing things is all wrong.
Much harder when the finger points back at ourselves........ Much harder!

And, as mother always said - "When you point one finger at someone else, remember that three fingers are pointing back at you."

Hear Jesus’ words about our own personal cost of following him.
        Hear that, parents, as you commit to raising your children in the way of the Lord. Hear that in the wake of your own reaffirmations of faith. Hear that, congregation, as you have committed to help raising these covenant youth.

Hear Jesus’ words to follow Him. Weigh carefully the cost involved.

"I will follow you wherever you go."
And Jesus said, "Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

On the surface it seems to indicate that following Jesus means you’ll be a displaced person; someone without a home. And in a way that is true. We are, as believers, not first of all citizens of the nation of Canada. We don’t belong here -- not forever. This isn’t the final goal of our existence.
        We are citizens of the Kingdom of God. Living here is temporary. Holding the values of heaven is forever.
        That’s why some totalitarian regimes find Christianity so threatening. They can’t live with such opposition.
        That’s what makes baptism such a significant event. It marks the citizenship of Jacob and Nicolette. Greater than a Canadian birth certificate.

Foxes have holes.... birds have nests......
        Some of you may be aware that the United States is often thought of by the symbol of an eagle, and Russia by a bear. Did you know that in Jesus’ day Jews often referred to gentile nations as "birds of the air." "Fox" was a name they gave to surrounding nations that were their racial cousins, but political enemies. Jesus used that term in Luke 13:32 to refer to King Herod, and Idumean — come on back this evening and you’ll hear more about them.
        For Jesus’ listeners – the birds were the Romans. The fox was their king.
        Says Jesus – if you’re looking for a powerful life, look to them. If you’re looking for comfort, look to them. Be ware of the cost of following me.

Following Jesus, being a living baptized member of his covenant community does NOT bring power, or wealth, or prestige.
        Hear these words spoken by Jesus, his face determined, travelling towards the cross!

Can you make that commitment, a commitment to suffering and a power structure far different than that of this world?
You’ll notice the volunteer in Luke 9 doesn’t answer. That’s because Luke wants US to provide the answer.
        Are we ready to suffer, to let that all go, for Jesus?
        That’s where baptism calls us.

"Follow me."
"Lord, first let me go and bury my father."
"Let the dead bury their own dead."
        If your reaction is like mine when I first read that passage you’re probably a little // lot put off. Jesus’ response seems so unfeeling. So cold. I didn’t get what the Lord was saying until I could hear these words through Middle Eastern ears.

Kenneth Bailey (Through Peasant Eyes Eerdmans 1980) tells us that In Palestine the phrase "to bury one’s father" was a traditional phrase referring to the duty of a son to remain at home and care for his parents until they are laid to rest respectfully. Then, and only then, can he consider other options.
        "My community makes certain demands on me and the pull of these demands is very strong. Surely, Jesus, you don’t expect me to violate the expectations of my community?"
        Well – yes – that is precisely what Jesus expects.
        There may be traditional expectations and practices; the way things are done. But they don’t come first. There are pressures to get involved in community work, and recreational activities, and social events. There are the pressures of the job. All of them clamouring – "Me first!!"

Jesus says, "No – ME first."

Which is what he says the third time round, as well.
"I will follow you, Lord, but first let me go back and say good-bye to my family."
        ME first!! Responds Jesus.

"To say good-bye" sounds quite reasonable, doesn’t it?
Who would refuse a last hug and kiss?
Actually, in Palestinian circles the word used here refers more to getting the permission of someone, taking their leave we might say.
        "I’d like to go and take part in....... Would that be ok? May I go?"

In fact, an ancient Syriac translation of Luke 9 reads this way, "Let me first explain my case to those in my house."

And Jesus shatters any illusions we may have about "traditional family values" or the "ultimate importance of the family unit."
        "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."

I used to drive tractor for a landscaping business. Would spend hours cutting large fields. Worst thing I could do would be to look over my shoulder at where I’d been. Guaranteed to wander off course and mess things up. Not so bad when you’re just cutting an open field. But if you’re doing precision work that can get you into terrible trouble.
        Got to pay attention to what’s coming up, to where you’re going.... not where you’ve been.

You can’t keep looking over your shoulder for parental approval before following me, says Jesus. You can’t place the importance of your family higher than me. I come first. Not them.

Perhaps it’s not family in your case.
Perhaps it’s — well, I could be more upfront about my faith, but you know what others in the office would think.
        ......I suppose that it’s probably not the best way to do things.... but that’s just how business is these days.
        ......Do you have any idea what the kids at school would say??

Jesus first.
Anything less receives a firm holy rebuke.

That’s why I’m so grateful for baptism in a covenant context. For we have adults who have decided that when they marry, one of the top priorities is to find a mate who shares their total devotion to Jesus.
        Him first.

And now, as parents, they together bow before Jesus – Him first – and call their children through word, deed and example to do the same.
        Him first!

And they join with us all as part of a larger community that faces the constant challenge of living this way; a community that does its level best to respond in obedience and love –
        Him first.

A community that in humble urgency seeks to become contagious to those around, so that they too will respond in an accepting way.