This passage does not address the question of what one must do to be saved, but what is required to be a true follower or disciple of Jesus. The first man was ready to follow Christ wherever. We do not know whether the young man became a disciple after Christ told him that it would be a life full of hardships. The second man had decided to follow Christ but wanted to postpone his service until the death of his father. Christ must come first always in everything. The third man was not fully committed to all it would require to be a disciple of Christ. He was interested in the program, but not the costs.

As I read this passage, I had to admit that on any given day, I could be any of the three!

Lord, help me each day to remember the sacrifice you made for me.

Pray:

Adoration: God is holy, mighty, gracious, and merciful. Spend time declaring your love for Him and expressing your thoughts of praise and worship.

Confession: Ask God to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.

Thanksgiving: Express your thankfulness to God for the blessings He has given you. When we consider that we deserve punishment because of our sinfulness, and instead God gives to us His love and mercy, our only response should be one of thankfulness.

Supplication: Petition God for wisdom. Offer prayers for your activities for this day and any special concerns you might have. Intercede for your immediate family and other relatives regarding their spiritual, emotional, and physical needs.