Luke 9:61Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thus, the individual who sought consent to accompany Him, while wishing to first bid farewell to his family, was not granted permission to return home for that purpose, nor was he allowed to simply say farewell.

We commend zeal in virtuous endeavors as something deserving of great esteem. However, those who achieve this mindset must be resolute in their aspirations and steadfast in their objectives. They should embody an unwavering and uncompromising spirit; only then can they launch themselves forward, much like athletes at the starting line, reaching their destination, celebrating victory, and adorning themselves with the crown of triumph.

The one who begins to cultivate the land but turns their gaze backwards compromises their ability to focus on the task at hand due to negligence. In this way, the Savior aptly referred to discipleship as akin to plowing, stating: ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’ To follow Christ, it is essential to set aside all distractions immediately and pursue Him consistently, so as not to be hindered by an attachment to the past. For what is more valuable or worthy than God?

Our Lord, the most loving Jesus, understood that unless a person relinquishes all concerns, their thoughts cannot rise to the cross. He instructed to forsake all that the mind is familiar with, as it is essential to descend from the cross of worldly attachments. For when an individual approached Him, expressing, ‘I will follow You, Lord,’ but requested to first go and manage what is "in my house" (Luke 9:61), our dear Jesus recognized that sight of these matters would pull his heart back toward them, causing various distractions to keep him there. Thus, He cautioned him, saying, ‘No one having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God’ (Luke 9:62).

The individuals chosen for this new fellowship were not to be impeded or limited in any manner in carrying out the mission given to them. When one man requested to bury his father and another wished to bid farewell to his family, the Lord did not permit it.

In this passage, Matthew provides an account while Luke presents the same two instances along with an additional one, which he describes in a distinct context; according to Luke, this occurred during Christ's final journey from Galilee to Judea (9:57-62). It is plausible that each Evangelist, while recounting an actual event from that time, includes another similar occurrence that took place at a different moment. The scribe was denied permission to follow Christ, revealing the underlying reason for this rejection: the scribe held worldly aspirations and Messianic expectations, believing that Jesus would soon manifest Himself as the triumphant Messiah-King.

Another follower approached Jesus without waiting for an invitation and said, "I will follow You, Lord, but first allow me to bid farewell to my family." However, Christ did not grant him the permission he sought. The first disciple had a more justifiable reason for his brief absence—the passing of his father—while the second disciple lacked the resolve to sever all ties with his former life immediately. Although he yearned to follow the Lord, he recognized his attachment to the temporal joys of this world, leading to a conflict between two opposing desires.

A comparable reply was offered to the third individual seeking discipleship. This person requested a postponement, not to accompany Christ immediately on His path, but to bid farewell to his loved ones first. The response he received has become a timeless proverb: ‘No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’ As Blessed Augustine eloquently noted, one must redirect their focus away from the diminishing West. It was with this profound understanding that the revered saints and ascetics of the Church found encouragement and strength, having severed all familial and worldly ties in devotion to Christ.

Another individual remarked, as noted exclusively in Luke. Luke. - The phrase “farewell to his household” illustrates a longing that signifies an overattachment to worldly ties, which hinders an individual from fully committing to the path of Christ. This renders such a person unsuitable for the kingdom of God, as revealed in the Savior's response. “This individual discloses a fondness for the temporal world and lacks the spirit of an apostle: for when the Apostles received the call of the Savior, they responded instantly, forsaking everything, even bidding farewell to their families. Often, while one is taking leave of their loved ones, some among them may impede the pursuit of a life aligned with God. Therefore, it is wise to act upon the intent to do good promptly and without hesitation.”

As they walked, an individual approached Jesus and sought permission to follow Him. The Lord responded similarly to a previous encounter, indicating He had nowhere to rest (Matt. 8:19-20). Another was invited by the Lord with the words, “Follow me,” but hesitated, expressing uncertainty and reluctance, saying, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” The Lord replied, “Let the dead bury their own dead; but you go and preach the kingdom of God.” Then, a third person volunteered to follow, saying, “I will follow You, Lord!