Something Greater

Introduction

Dad in “This is Us” going back into the house fire for the family dog. Jillian and I were yelling at the TV.

What if this is happening to you? What if someone watching your life was yelling “Why are you wasting your life on things like that? Why is that your priority?!”

Passage: Luke 9:57-62

Big Idea: Jesus is either first or He is nothing

This is a brutal passage. Can you imagine if this is how we recruited for youth group? “Want to come to Ice Camp?” “I can’t. It is my dad’s funeral.” “Oh, ok, I guess you aren’t a Christian then...” Or “Sure! I would love to go. Today? Sure, let me just say goodbye to my Mom...” “It doesn’t sound like it is for you...”

That would be crazy. Alright, should disarm this a little? Surely Jesus was saying this because this was a unique time when he was going to be with them. This doesn’t apply now, right?

What does Jesus say in Luke 9:60? Is this something that is time sensitive?

What does Jesus say in Luke 9:62? Is this something that is time sensitive?

JESUS IS EITHER FIRST OR HE IS NOTHING

But let’s be careful here. 1 Timothy 5:8 says we should take care of our families. So, what is going on here.

It seems that Jesus is, with surgical precision, exposing the idol of these men’s hearts. Their comfort, family obligations and family itself was too important to them. This may leave us asking, “how can this be?” because our family is generally our number one or number two priority, maybe only after our own ambition.

“I have now to ask whether you can consent to part with your daughter early next spring, to see her no more in this world ? Whether you can consent to her departure to a heathen land, and her subjection to the hardships and sufferings of a missionary life? Whether you can consent to her exposure to the dangers of the ocean; to the fatal influence of the southern climate of India; to every kind of want and distress; to degradation, insult, persecution, and perhaps a violent death? Can you consent to all this, for the sake of Him who left His heavenly home and died for her and for you; for the sake of perishing, immortal souls; for the sake of Zion and the glory of God? Can you consent to all this, in hope of soon meeting your daughter in the world of glory, with a crown of righteousness brightened by the acclamations of praise which shall resound to her Saviour from heathens saved, through her means, from eternal woe and despair?”

Adoniram Judson’s letter to Mr. Hassltine was fulfilled: Ann did go through many hardships while on the mission field. She had 3 pregnancies: The first ended in a miscarriage while moving from India to Burma; her second child, Roger, was born in 1815 and died at 8 months of age; her third child, Maria, lived only 6 months after Ann herself died in 1826 of smallpox. Adoniram Judson himself lost 2 wives and 6 of 13 children on the mission field. Ann, and Adoniram, suffered through many other trials while serving as missionaries. Ann, herself, suffered hardships and died, but she died “for the sake of Him who left His heavenly home,” as Judson wrote above. They left their homes and their family to spread the glory of God to an unreached people group. 

Ultimately, their sacrifice was worth it. While Judson only had 18 converts after 12 years, when he died he left 100 churches and over 8,000 believers.  Today we can see the fruit of his work since there are 2.5 million evangelical Christians in Burma (modern day Myanmar) today (source). Myanmar also has the third largest number of baptist worldwide behind the U.S. & India (source).  Judson also wrote a grammar of the language that is still used today, & he also translated the entire bible into Burmese, which took him 24 years to complete. In light of what was accomplished, especially in the midst of such difficulties, we tend, it seems to me, to do so little compared to missionaries like Judson. May God use his life, and Ann’s life, to push us on towards the plans that He has for us.

So, what would Jesus say to you? Put yourself in this scene. Jesus says, “Follow me.” How do you reply?

I will…but only if you tell me in a super clear way exactly what you want me to do

I will…as long as it is safe and comfortable

I will…as long as I don’t lose any of my friends

I will…as long as no one makes fun of me

I will…if I can still pursue my life dreams and goals

I will…if it doesn’t cost me anything

I will…but I don’t know the Bible well enough, or answers to the questions people will ask, or what to say or what to do

I will…when I am older

I will…if it is super easy and takes little to no effort. I don’t have a lot of time because I have to consume several hours of media a day

I will…but first let me enjoy my life the way I want to

Fill in the blank. What is keeping you from sharing the gospel with your friends? From inviting someone to Ice Camp? From planning to go overseas and do whatever job you want to do in a land where the gospel has never been heard?

*Evangelism_boldness over opportunities*

“Sometimes we need to stop praying for opportunities to evangelize, but for boldness to use the opportunities God is giving.”

Gospel: Jesus is only asking His followers to do what He has done. Jesus left His heavenly home, made Himself nothing, lived a life with a single purpose.