Jesus Says Go
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class opened with a contemporary anecdote about a plowed field and the practical logistics of communion and upcoming church events, then moved into a historical parallel of Hernán Cortés burning his ships to illustrate a committed, no‑turn‑back mentality. The teacher linked this principle to Luke 9:57‑62, where three aspiring followers present excuses—desire for comfort, familial obligations, and the need to say goodbye—only to receive Jesus’ firm refusals, emphasizing that following Him requires surrender and an unyielding forward focus. Through close examination of each verse, the teacher highlighted that Jesus expects believers to abandon safety nets and be prepared to endure hardship without looking back. References to Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s theology reinforced the notion that the call to discipleship includes willingness to die to the self. The class concluded by urging participants to adopt a “burn‑the‑boats” mindset, committing fully to proclaiming the kingdom of God in daily life, while acknowledging that not every Christian will become a pulpit preacher but all are called to active, sacrificial witness.
Key Scriptures
As they were traveling on the road, someone said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus told him, "Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." He said to another, "Follow me." But he replied, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." But he told him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Another said, "I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say goodbye to my family." Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."