Follow Along with the Message

Who's On First?

Pastor Tom Lundeen

Jesus told us that we’re all on a , so to speak; but the road we choose to travel on will make all the difference in this life and  (note Matthew 7:13-14).

Jesus  and describes what the road less traveled looks like when it comes to following Him/being His disciples.

So, the  mile marker on the road less traveled is, Who’s on first?

1. Mile Marker #1

Note Luke 14:25-26; Mark 7:9-13

If loving our neighbors included, according to Jesus, our , it obviously had to include our own families (note Ephesians 5; 1 Timothy 5:8).

So what does Jesus mean when He defines being His follower in such  language that places our relationships with those closest to us below our relationship with Jesus?

2. Why the “” Word?

In the Scriptures, hate does mean hate; but there are also times it’s used as an idiom that means  (note Deuteronomy 21:15; Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5; Matthew 10:37).

We know that many of Jesus’ apostles and early church leaders and Jesus’ own half brothers were married… (note 1 Corinthians 9:5).

3. So Who’s On ?

Jesus intentionally used language that would grab and  our full attention.

The point He’s making is that there’s  and  that is to come between us and God’s kingdom and the King of kings.

The  of Jesus, the centrality of His mission, His will, His purposes, and my connection and relationship with Jesus must be first in my life if I am  going to be His disciple.

It’s not just money and possessions and things that can become an obstacle...but even  can become a hindrance... 

Am I on the road less traveled?:

• Jesus demands first place in everything and not just  things  time.
• So who’s on first?

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