And He was saying to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Luke 10:2

Jesus is saying there is a lot of work to do for Gods Kingdom , yet he cant find anyone to do any work? Sound familiar? How many of you have ever coached or volunteered for an organization, and when you try to find anyone to help everyone runs away? Why? Because people want money, people want great recognition, people want to be famous, nobody wants to labor for free, right?

Again this is a heart issue, people still living for the world trying to merge Jesus with it. The world and Jesus will never coexist as they are in opposition of each other. Jesus says the laborers are few, the world tells us we have billions of Christians. Where are they? With these numbers we should have an evangelist at every street corner in the world

“Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Luke 10:3

But you say “Oh they’ll make fun of me, they’ll mock me, they might even kill me” Yes Jesus said anyone who wants to save their life must lose it. When you come to Christ, nothing else is of more importance! What happens when lamb are around wolves? They get torn apart, likely killed. This is exactly what Jesus is preparing us for

Your persecution is not a surprise to Christ, he warned us this would happen! The harvest is plentiful, are you willing to go to work in the name of Jesus?

And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” Luke 9:59

A lot of people say they want to “Follow Jesus” but are you willing to follow him at any cost? When it doesn’t cost us anything, following is easy. However if it costs us something in return we hesitate to answer our calling

This example seems extreme, how can Jesus expect this man to miss his own Fathers funeral? However it’s the context, it’s the test of heart. There are obviously greater things in this mans life than serving The Lord. It may be an extreme example but truth doesn’t have feelings.

But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:60

Jesus responds “Let the dead bury the dead”! This is a profound statement as we know without Christ everyone is dead in their sins. Jesus said Go proclaim or preach everywhere! This was this mans mission, to be set apart from the world.

Another also said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.” Luke 9:61

Heres another example, they said they will follow Jesus when time permits. Again this sounds like another extreme example . However again its about priorities and your heart. What priorities are above serving God?

But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62

Jesus has some harsh words for this man, anyone who keeps putting other things ahead of their service to God is not fit to serve God. Wow , this is extreme, however our God is extreme also , isn’t he?

Now I’m sure we all failed this test, I know I have. However I think Jesus point here is to really challenge ourselves and examine our relationship with him. Before you agree to serve make sure you are willing to pay the cost!

And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. Luke 9:23

What does it cost to be a Christian? Is it a onetime event where you come to Jesus and be saved? Or is it a daily walk in a transformed life? Well actually its both, the day you come to Jesus in full repentance and receive him as your Lord and Savior, you are saved and become Born Again! However your work is not done its just beginning

The Christian walk is not as easy as it sounds. Just look at the early Apostles, all but one was murdered for their faith. The temptations of sin will challenge you , that’s why Jesus said we must deny ourselves daily. Give up the flesh and be led by the Spirit. Sounds easy? Not in a corrupted body, but the power of the Holy Spirit will guide you if you listen

Deny Yourself- Give up the pursuit of temptations of the flesh

Carry Your Cross– Endure hardships and suffering for The Lord

Follow Jesus– Be a true servant of Christ, as he is your Lord (Master)

For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. Luke 9:24

Again if you truly want to be a Christian there has to be a transformation, a lifestyle change. You cant keep living in your old sin and be saved, what did Jesus save you from then? Just as the Israelites were freed from the slavery and bondage of Egypt, you have been freed from the bondage and slavery of sin and death. But you must come out of that sin and follow Jesus to the Promise Land!

If you want to save your life , you must lose your old life, the only way is Jesus Christ!