We are on our way at our church as we journey to read through the New Testament this summer. Our assignment for next Sunday is the Gospel of Luke.

One of the striking movements in Luke is how at the beginning of the Gospel there is such joy at the prospect of following Jesus. Men and women are dropping what they are doing and joining in. They joyfully follow Jesus.

Then, I notice a shift. I have to admit reading the Gospel of Luke leaves me scratching my head as to how the theory of “universalism” has any traction whatsoever in Christianity. There is a LOT of talk… from Jesus… about weird things like “the narrow door” and “gnashing of teeth,” and other indicators that say, “Well, not everyone may make this journey.”

Regardless of that debate, what IS clear from Luke’s gospel is there is an understanding Jesus lays out of the cost of following him. The Kingdom of God isn’t a walk in the park. Jesus doesn’t lie. Neither should we.

Jesus wants total allegiance. This isn’t about a perfect attendance policy. This is about cost. Surrender what you have. All of it. In return, you gain the Kingdom.

³³ In the same way, none of you who are unwilling to give up all of your possessions can be my disciple.

³⁴ “Salt is good. But if salt loses its flavor, how will it become salty again? ³⁵ It has no value, neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. People throw it away. Whoever has ears to hear should pay attention.” (Luke 14:3-35, CEB)