WHEN FOLLOWING JESUS COSTS EVERYTHING PART 3: THE DANGER OF “FIRST LET ME…”

WHEN FOLLOWING JESUS COSTS EVERYTHING

PART 3: THE DANGER OF “FIRST LET ME…”


Luke 9:59–60 (NIV)

He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”


In Part 2, we learned that following Jesus comes with a cost. Jesus Christ made it clear that discipleship is not built on comfort but on sacrifice. We cannot follow Him truly if we are only committed to convenience.

Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”


Key Phrase

“Lord, first let me…”


Opening Thought 🌅

One of the greatest enemies of destiny is not rejection—it is delay. Many people are not saying “no” to God; they are simply saying “not now.” But in the Kingdom, delayed obedience can quietly become disobedience.


Insight 🔍

This man did not reject the call to follow Jesus Christ. In fact, he called Him “Lord,” showing respect. But his response revealed a divided priority:

“First let me…”

At first glance, his request seems reasonable. But culturally, this statement often meant: “Let me remain at home until my father passes, settle family matters, and then I will follow you.”

In many cases, this could also involve:

Securing inheritance

Establishing financial stability

Ensuring a personal “backup plan”

So while he sounded committed, he was essentially saying:

“Let me secure my future first—then I will follow You.”


Understanding Jesus’ Statement 🧠

When Jesus Christ said this, He was speaking on two levels:

“The dead” (first mention) Spiritually dead people

“Their own dead” (second mention)  Physically dead people

So Jesus was saying:

“Let those who are spiritually unconcerned with the Kingdom handle earthly matters, but you—who have received the call—must focus on your divine assignment.”

This was not a call to disrespect family—it was a call to reorder priorities.


Deeper Application 🔥

This reveals a subtle but powerful heart issue:

He wanted to follow Jesus—but with a safety net. And this is still common today.

Many believers want:

A relationship with God

A sense of purpose

The benefits of Christianity

…but still keep a backup plan in case things don’t go as expected.

It sounds like:

“Let me secure my career first—just in case.”

“Let me build my life first—then I will fully commit.”

“Let me keep my options open—just in case following Jesus becomes costly.”


Powerful Truth 💡

You cannot follow Jesus fully while keeping a backup plan outside of Him. Because a backup plan often becomes:

divided loyalty

delayed obedience

or an escape route from surrender


Balanced Clarity ⚖️

Planning your life is not wrong.

But placing your security above obedience is dangerous.

Jesus Christ was not against responsibility—

He was confronting priority misalignment.


Real-life Reflection 🧭

Today, many believers say:

“I will serve God after school.”

“I will commit after I get a job.”

“I will be serious after I settle in life.”

These sound wise—but often hide delay.

The danger is this:

The longer you delay obedience, the easier it becomes to never obey at all.


Spiritual Lesson 📖

This passage teaches us that:

Respect for God is not the same as obedience to God.

Good reasons can still become wrong priorities.

The Kingdom responds to now, not “later.”

Delayed obedience is disobedience in disguise.


Reflection Questions 🤔

What has God asked me to do that I keep postponing?

What “first let me” excuse am I holding onto?

Am I trying to secure a backup plan before fully trusting God?


Prayer 🙏

Lord Jesus, Forgive me for the times I have delayed obedience while trying to secure my own future. Help me to trust You fully without holding onto a backup plan. Give me the courage to respond immediately to Your call and the faith to depend on You completely. Amen.


Call To Action ✍️

Take one step today in obedience to God without waiting for perfect conditions. Let your trust in Him replace your need for a backup plan.


Next In The Series

Part 4: Looking Back While Moving Forward

Another man expresses willingness to follow Jesus—but with one condition tied to his past. In the next devotional, we will uncover why looking back can limit forward progress in the Kingdom.

God is speaking, are you listening?



Prince Julius Nenebi-Darkson 

(EL-PJ God's penman)

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