No Looking Back
“Another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’” Luke 9.61-62
The third man in Luke 9 offers to follow Jesus but first wants to say goodbye to his family. His request echoes Elisha’s in 1 Kings 19.19-21, where Elisha asks to kiss his parents before following Elijah. But unlike Elijah, who grants the request, Jesus demands immediate commitment: “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” A farmer plowing a field must keep their eyes forward to maintain a straight furrow; looking back leads to crooked lines. Similarly, discipleship requires single-minded focus on Jesus. Looking back to what we’ve left—family, security, or past comforts—can distract us from God’s call. This call to unwavering devotion is challenging, yet it is rooted in Jesus’ own commitment to us. He set His face toward Jerusalem, never turning back from the cross. In baptism, He claims us as His own, giving us a new purpose and direction. Hebrews 12.2 urges us to look to Jesus, who endured the cross for our joy. As we reflect today, let us ask for grace to release the past and follow Christ with resolute hearts, trusting that His path leads to eternal life and the joy set before us.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me the resolve to follow You without looking back. Help me to let go of distractions and to trust in Your call, knowing You lead me to eternal life. Amen.
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