Surrendering Personal Convenience
“Someone said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’” Luke 9:57-58
A man boldly declares his intent to follow Jesus, but Jesus sees beyond his enthusiasm. His response is stark: “The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Jesus is not offering a life of comfort but one defined by the cross, where His head will soon be crowned with thorns. This exchange exposes the idol of personal convenience that can hinder true discipleship. We often want a faith that fits neatly into our lives—a Jesus who supports our plans and keeps us comfortable. But Jesus calls us to a life conformed to His image, not ours. In baptism, He claims us as His own, not as an option among many, but as the One who defines our existence. As Will Willimon notes, baptism tells us who we are: God’s property, created for His purposes. This call is costly, requiring us to surrender our desire for ease and control. Yet it is also liberating, for in losing our lives for Christ, we find true life (Luke 9.24). Jesus’ journey to the cross shows us that true security lies not in earthly comforts but in His unchanging love. As we reflect today, let us ask for grace to let go of convenience and embrace the path Jesus sets before us, trusting that His way leads to eternal joy.
Prayer: Lord, You gave up all comfort for my salvation. Help me to surrender my desire for ease and to follow You wholeheartedly, trusting that Your way leads to true life. Amen.
Responses