Frustrations to Following Christ

Luke 9:51

Introduction to the Passage

  • Explanation of the travelogue in Luke 9:51-19:27
  • Context: Teachings of Jesus during His journey to Jerusalem.

Literary Structure of Luke's Travelogue

  • Description of literary arrangement (chiasm/inverted parallelism)
  • Purpose: To frame and emphasize core teachings

Core Message of the Travelogue

  • Core of the travelogue: Jesus' lament over Jerusalem
  • Explanation of Jesus' broader mission beyond Israel

Specific Passage: Luke 9:51

  • Focus on Luke 9:51: Jesus' determination to go to Jerusalem
  • Overview of Luke 9-19: Jesus' teachings during the journey

Jesus' Journey and Teachings

  • Various teachings and events during the journey
  • Jesus' mission: To save, not destroy

Commitment to Following Jesus

  • Challenges to following Jesus (three examples of potential followers)
  • Emphasis on counting the cost of discipleship

Illustration from Elijah and Elisha

  • Comparison with Elisha's commitment to follow Elijah (1 Kings 19)

Application of the Teachings

  • A disciple must be prepared for hardship and rejection
  • Obedience must not be delayed
  • The kingdom of God must be the highest priority

Personal Reflection and Illustration

  • Personal stories and illustrations
  • Grandfather's farming analogy: Keeping focus on the goal

Conclusion and Prayer

  • Prayer for help in following Jesus without frustration and with full commitment

*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.

About the Contributors

Mark L. Bailey

Dr. Bailey assumed the role of DTS Chancellor after serving for 19 years as the Seminary’s fifth President, and continues his role as Sr. Professor in the Bible Exposition department. In addition to his years at Dallas Theological Seminary, he has pastored various churches in Arizona and Texas. He was a seminar instructor for Walk Thru the Bible Ministries for twenty years and is in demand for Bible conferences and other preaching engagements all over the country and world. His overseas ministries have included Venezuela, Argentina, Hungary, and China. He is also a regular tour leader in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and Rome. His board service includes Bible Study Fellowship, Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, and Word of Life.