THE UPS AND DOWNS AT THE STOCK MARKET
“If any man comes to me,” says Jesus, and, not “if any man wants to come to me” (v. 26). The difference is subtle but significant because it reveals the intention of the evangelist. There is a great difference, there is a wide ocean between “going” and “wanting to go”. Saying that I go … I am going …to Venice, is a reality, whilst saying, I want to go to Venice remains a dream, a wish if I do not get down to it and make it a reality. We r...ealise how important it is to have a ‘good, scholarly’ translation of the Holy Scripture, otherwise such subtleties will not be noticed.
“If any man comes to me,” says Jesus, and, not “if any man wants to come to me” (v. 26). The difference is subtle but significant because it reveals the intention of the evangelist. There is a great difference, there is a wide ocean between “going” and “wanting to go”. Saying that I go … I am going …to Venice, is a reality, whilst saying, I want to go to Venice remains a dream, a wish if I do not get down to it and make it a reality. We r...ealise how important it is to have a ‘good, scholarly’ translation of the Holy Scripture, otherwise such subtleties will not be noticed.
Luke is addressing the great crowds, the thousands who are following Christ, who are sympathising with the Rabbi, those who are genuinely following Him. The reason is clear, there must have been a ‘misunderstanding’. The majority of the crowd was on a different wavelength. They were interpreting Christ’s message according to their own belief, their culture and their dreams.
He must have been amazed to see that “large crowds were walking along with him” (v. 25). He must have realised that the crowd was not understanding Him. As He was on His way to Jerusalem, they must have thought that He was on His way to declare His Kingdom, His Empire. Christ was honest and true, as we should always be. He therefore turns and starts to explain what is involved in the choice to be his disciples (v. 25).
The conditions that Jesus mentions are crystal clear, they are not negotiable. This is no ‘Stock Exchange’ business. The conditions involved in the choice to be his disciples (v. 25) mentioned by Christ, are loud and clear. Without mincing His words He is telling them that all those who follow Him must be loyal to such an extent as to be ready to sacrifice the dearest things in their life. A sacrifice, a suffering which would be like the agony of a man upon a cross.
His examples must not be taken literally. We must understand that Christ was influenced and acted according to the Eastern culture and language. The way they expressed themselves was always so vivid, just as the human mind could express it and understand it. Certainly, Christ did not mean it literally that we should hate our father, our mother, spouse and children. It’s unthinkable, out of this world, too cold and scary. HE means that no love in life can compare with the love we must bear to Him.
We can’t be distant followers of Christ, we must be real disciples. If a man is discouraged by Christ’s demands, let him remember that He is always present, closely following, and at times he will be carried in His loving arms.
He must have been amazed to see that “large crowds were walking along with him” (v. 25). He must have realised that the crowd was not understanding Him. As He was on His way to Jerusalem, they must have thought that He was on His way to declare His Kingdom, His Empire. Christ was honest and true, as we should always be. He therefore turns and starts to explain what is involved in the choice to be his disciples (v. 25).
The conditions that Jesus mentions are crystal clear, they are not negotiable. This is no ‘Stock Exchange’ business. The conditions involved in the choice to be his disciples (v. 25) mentioned by Christ, are loud and clear. Without mincing His words He is telling them that all those who follow Him must be loyal to such an extent as to be ready to sacrifice the dearest things in their life. A sacrifice, a suffering which would be like the agony of a man upon a cross.
His examples must not be taken literally. We must understand that Christ was influenced and acted according to the Eastern culture and language. The way they expressed themselves was always so vivid, just as the human mind could express it and understand it. Certainly, Christ did not mean it literally that we should hate our father, our mother, spouse and children. It’s unthinkable, out of this world, too cold and scary. HE means that no love in life can compare with the love we must bear to Him.
We can’t be distant followers of Christ, we must be real disciples. If a man is discouraged by Christ’s demands, let him remember that He is always present, closely following, and at times he will be carried in His loving arms.
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