(a) What demands did Jesus make of the prospective disciples he encountered? [9 marks] (b) Identify, any three attitudes that true disciples of Jesus must e...

(a) The demands Jesus made of the prospective disciples (Luke 9:57-62)

As Jesus and His disciples went along the road, three would-be followers came to Him, and to each He set out the demands of discipleship:

• The first man said, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." He demanded readiness to accept hardship, homelessness and self-denial.
• The second man was called by Jesus, "Follow me," but he asked first to go and bury his father. Jesus answered, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." He demanded that the kingdom take priority even over pressing family and social obligations.
• The third man said, "I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." He demanded wholehearted commitment without looking back.

In sum, Jesus demanded willingness to endure hardship, to give the kingdom of God first place above all other ties, and to follow Him with undivided, forward-looking devotion.

(b) Three attitudes true disciples must exhibit

1. Total commitment and readiness for sacrifice, putting Christ above comfort and possessions.
2. Prioritising the kingdom of God above family, social and personal interests.
3. Steadfastness and singleness of purpose, never looking back once they have set out to follow Christ.