Letting Go to Embrace Christ's Call
Summary
Today, we gathered in the presence of God, seeking His Spirit to move among us, to cleanse our hearts, and to inspire us to love Him more perfectly. We lifted up prayers for our world, our leaders, the persecuted church, and those in our community who are in need of healing and strength. We remembered that God’s providence orders all things, and we asked Him to remove what is hurtful and give us what is truly profitable for our souls.
Reflecting on the call of Christ, we considered how following Jesus always involves both holding on and letting go. Just as I’ve found myself leaving things behind—sometimes by accident, sometimes by necessity—so too are we called to discern what must be left behind in order to follow Christ more fully. Throughout history, faithful men and women have had to disappoint the expectations of others, even those closest to them, in order to answer God’s call. We looked at the examples of Martin Luther and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who both left behind family expectations to pursue God’s mission.
In Luke 9, we see Jesus calling His disciples to leave behind not only their old lives but also their prejudices, anger, and expectations about how God works. James and John had to let go of generational animosity toward the Samaritans, learning that the kingdom of God is bigger than their own boundaries. Jesus rebukes their anger, teaching that the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness—are the true marks of God’s work in us.
We also examined the three would-be followers of Jesus in Luke 9. Each one faced an internal hindrance: the desire for security, the tendency to delay obedience, and the wish to follow on their own terms. Jesus’ words are challenging, reminding us that discipleship is not about fitting Him into our plans, but surrendering our lives to His call. The story of Elisha in 1 Kings 19 shows us what it looks like to burn the yokes and leave the past behind, fully embracing God’s mission.
Ultimately, the call of Jesus comes with a cost, but the promise is always greater. Jesus, who set His face toward Jerusalem and bore the cross for us, is trustworthy. In His embrace, we find the fullness of joy and the freedom to live as His disciples. The invitation is to listen for His call, to say yes, and to let go of whatever holds us back, trusting that in Him, there are “ten thousand charms.”
Key Takeaways
- The call to follow Jesus always involves both sacrifice and promise. We are invited to let go of what weighs us down—whether it’s old habits, expectations, or even good things that have become obstacles—so that we can receive the greater joy and freedom found in Christ. The cost is real, but the promise of life in Him is far greater. [18:11]
- True discipleship means surrendering control and letting Jesus set the terms. When we try to follow Christ on our own conditions, we are not truly following but merely inviting Him into our own agenda. The freedom and transformation we seek come only when we relinquish the reins and trust Him fully with our lives. [40:30]
- The fruit of the Spirit, not spectacular signs or gifts, is the evidence of God’s work in us. Love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness are the marks of a life led by the Spirit. When anger, pride, or animosity take root, they reveal the works of the flesh and hinder us from fulfilling God’s calling. [28:00]
- Delayed obedience is often disobedience in disguise. We may be tempted to postpone God’s call until life feels less busy or more convenient, but Jesus calls us to respond now. Faithfulness is cultivated as we prioritize His mission above our own schedules and trust that He will provide what we need. [37:42]
- Letting go of past hurts, prejudices, or self-made plans is essential for spiritual growth. Like Elisha, who burned his plow and oxen, we are called to make a decisive break with whatever keeps us from wholehearted devotion. Only then can we step into the new life and purpose God has prepared for us. [39:11]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Opening Prayers and Collect for Purity
[02:30] - Prayers for the Church and the World
[08:00] - Prayers for Healing and Community Needs
[15:40] - Children’s Blessing and Prayer
[18:11] - Meditation on God’s Word
[21:00] - Letting Go: Stories from Church History
[25:30] - The Call to Leave Behind Old Animosities
[28:00] - Fruit of the Spirit vs. Works of the Flesh
[32:00] - The Cost and Promise of Discipleship
[37:42] - The Temptation to Delay Obedience
[39:11] - Elisha’s Example: Burning the Yokes
[40:30] - Surrendering Control to Christ
[42:50] - Listening for the Call of Jesus
[51:39] - Affirming Our Faith: The Nicene Creed
[01:00:25] - Holy Communion and Thanksgiving
[01:05:47] - Sending Forth and Final Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Cost and Promise of Following Jesus
---
### Bible Reading
- Luke 9:51-62
(Jesus sets out for Jerusalem, is rejected by a Samaritan village, rebukes James and John for their anger, and challenges three would-be followers about the cost of discipleship.)
- Galatians 5:19-26
(Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit.)
- 1 Kings 19:19-21
(Elisha is called by Elijah, leaves his old life behind, and follows God’s call.)
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Luke 9:51-56, what was James and John’s reaction to the Samaritan village rejecting Jesus, and how did Jesus respond to them?
[[18:11]]
2. What are the three different responses of the would-be followers in Luke 9:57-62, and what does Jesus say to each of them?
[[37:42]]
3. According to Galatians 5:22-23, what are the “fruit of the Spirit” that Paul lists?
[[28:00]]
4. What did Elisha do with his oxen and plow after Elijah called him in 1 Kings 19:19-21, and why is this significant?
[[39:11]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus rebuked James and John for wanting to call down fire on the Samaritans? What does this reveal about the kind of kingdom Jesus is building?
[[28:00]]
2. The three would-be followers in Luke 9 each had something holding them back from following Jesus. What do their excuses reveal about the challenges of discipleship?
[[37:42]]
3. In the sermon, the pastor mentioned that “delayed obedience is often disobedience in disguise.” Why might Jesus insist on immediate response to his call?
[[37:42]]
4. Elisha burned his plow and oxen before following Elijah. What does this act symbolize about his commitment, and how does it compare to the responses of the would-be followers in Luke 9?
[[39:11]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon talked about letting go of old habits, expectations, or even good things that have become obstacles. Is there something in your life right now that you sense God is asking you to let go of in order to follow Him more fully? What would it look like to take a first step?
[[18:11]]
2. Think about a time when you tried to “fit Jesus into your plans” rather than surrendering your plans to Him. What was the result? How can you practice letting Jesus set the terms in your life this week?
[[40:30]]
3. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness—are the true marks of God’s work in us. Which of these do you find most challenging to show right now, and what is one practical way you could cultivate it in a difficult relationship or situation?
[[28:00]]
4. The sermon mentioned that “delayed obedience is often disobedience in disguise.” Is there something you know God is calling you to do, but you’ve been putting it off? What is one step you can take this week to move forward in obedience?
[[37:42]]
5. Are there any past hurts, prejudices, or self-made plans that you need to “burn” like Elisha burned his plow, so you can move forward in God’s calling? What would it look like to make a decisive break?
[[39:11]]
6. The pastor shared stories of people who disappointed family or friends in order to follow God’s call (like Martin Luther and Dietrich Bonhoeffer). Have you ever had to disappoint someone’s expectations to be faithful to Jesus? How did you handle it, and what did you learn?
[[18:11]]
7. The sermon ended with the reminder that the promise of Jesus is always greater than the cost. When have you experienced the joy or freedom that comes from saying “yes” to Jesus, even when it was hard?
[[18:11]]
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to say “yes” to Jesus, to let go of whatever holds them back, and to trust Him for the greater promise He offers.
Devotional
Day 1: Leaving Behind Old Animosities and Expectations
To follow Jesus, we are called to let go of old animosities, prejudices, and expectations—even those that have been ingrained in us for generations. The disciples, especially James and John, had to release their anger and pride toward the Samaritans, learning instead to embrace the new work God was doing among all peoples. Jesus rebuked their desire for vengeance, teaching that the way forward is not through fits of anger but through the fruit of the Spirit—love, peace, and patience. Consider who the "Samaritans" are in your life: those you may have viewed with suspicion or resentment. Jesus invites you to leave behind these burdens so you can walk in freedom and participate in His reconciling work. [23:30]
Luke 9:51-56 (ESV)
When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them. And they went on to another village.
Reflection: Who is someone you have long held resentment or suspicion toward? What would it look like to intentionally let go of that animosity and seek peace with them this week?
Day 2: The Cost and Promise of Discipleship
Jesus makes it clear that following Him comes with a cost—letting go of security, comfort, and control—but He also promises a life of joy, peace, and freedom that far outweighs what is left behind. The call to discipleship is not a casual invitation; it is a summons to surrender our own plans and trust that Jesus, who gave everything for us, is worthy of our trust. When we say yes to Jesus, we step into a new kind of life, one marked by His presence and the fullness of joy found in Him. [35:00]
Luke 9:57-62 (ESV)
As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Reflection: What is one comfort, habit, or area of control you sense Jesus asking you to surrender so you can follow Him more fully?
Day 3: The Fruit of the Spirit vs. Works of the Flesh
Paul teaches that the evidence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is not found in dramatic displays or spiritual gifts, but in the quiet, steady fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and more. The works of the flesh, such as anger and division, lead only to destruction and bondage. As we walk by the Spirit, we are empowered to leave behind destructive impulses and instead bear fruit that brings life to ourselves and those around us. [27:50]
Galatians 5:19-23 (ESV)
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you most desire to see grow in your life right now, and what is one practical way you can cultivate it today?
Day 4: Responding to God’s Call Without Delay
Jesus calls us to follow Him now, not at some undefined point in the future when life feels less busy or complicated. There will always be demands on our time and attention, but the invitation to join in God’s mission is urgent and present. Faithfulness is cultivated as we prioritize God’s call above our own schedules and excuses, trusting that the Spirit will help us find joy and purpose as we step out in obedience today. [37:42]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally prioritize God’s call or a specific act of service today, even if your schedule feels full?
Day 5: Surrendering Our Terms and Embracing God’s Lordship
True discipleship means letting go of our own terms and conditions for following Jesus and allowing Him to truly be Lord of our lives. Like Elisha, who burned his plow and oxen, we are invited to make a decisive break with anything that holds us back, trusting that God’s call is worth every sacrifice. In surrender, we discover a deeper freedom and joy, knowing that Jesus is trustworthy and His promise is greater than any cost. [42:50]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you are still trying to set the terms with God? What would it look like to fully surrender that area to His lordship this week?
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