Sermon Series Blog: No Turning Back
No Turning Back: Following Jesus Boldly
In Luke 9, we reach a turning point in Jesus’ ministry. Up until this moment, the disciples had seen Him heal the sick, calm storms, and feed the multitudes. But in verse 51 we read:
“When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.”
From this moment on, Jesus is no longer just ministering in Galilee — He is moving with purpose toward Jerusalem, where the cross awaits. And as He begins this journey, He makes it clear that following Him is not casual. It is a call to love boldly, live fully, and advance His Kingdom.
1. Trusting His Provision
When the disciples faced thousands of hungry people in Luke 9, all they had were five loaves and two fish. They wanted to send the crowds away, but Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.” Then He took what little they had, blessed it, and multiplied it until everyone was fed — with leftovers to spare.
That’s what following Jesus looks like: trusting Him with what we have, even when it feels like it’s not enough. He takes our scarcity and turns it into sufficiency.
2. Seeing Jesus Clearly
Later in Luke 9, Peter declared, “You are the Messiah!” Shortly after, at the Transfiguration, the disciples saw Jesus’ glory revealed. It was a moment of clarity — no more blurry vision of Him as just a teacher or miracle worker. He was, and is, the Son of God.
When we see Jesus clearly, it changes everything: how we worship, how we walk, and how we live. It gives us courage to follow Him with confidence.
3. Surrendering Our Lives
Jesus told His disciples plainly:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
Following Jesus is more than avoiding sin or “trying harder.” It’s surrender — daily laying down our own plans, our own comfort, and our own pride, so we can live for Him.
It means living out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20), using our gifts to bless others, and letting God’s love overflow from us to the world around us.
No Turning Back
There’s an old hymn many of us know: “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back.” Its words were inspired by the last testimony of a man in India who gave his life for Christ. Even as his family was taken from him, he refused to renounce his faith, declaring:
“I have decided to follow Jesus.”
“Though none go with me, still I will follow.”
“The cross before me, the world behind me.”
His bold faith led his entire village to Christ.
That’s the heart of discipleship — choosing Jesus above all else, no matter the cost.
A Question for Us
So today, the question for us is this: Will we follow Jesus with conditions, or will we follow Him with conviction?
Following Jesus is not always easy, but it is always worth it. When we love boldly, live fully, and advance His Kingdom, we discover the abundant life He promised.
Let’s choose Jesus. No turning back.
