Three Excuses People Use to Avoid Following Jesus | Pastor Justin Cooper

Main message: Following Jesus is total, obedient allegiance—not a casual, comfort‑seeking label—and Christians must examine whether they truly submit to Christ's authority or merely keep Him as a convenience. The preacher uses Luke 9:57–62 (three would‑be disciples) to illustrate common excuses that prevent wholehearted discipleship.

Key points:

• To "follow" means to obey, conform, imitate and submit to Jesus as Lord (not merely claim the name or use the label "Christ follower").
• Many pretend to follow while prioritizing comfort, money/security, or personal convenience; these correspond to the three responses in Luke 9: the homebody (won't give up comfort), the undertaker (postpones for worldly gain), and the plowman (distracted/unstable).
• True following requires counting worldly gain as loss, living as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1), and letting Christ be preeminent—not a consultant or spare tire.
• Historical Christians (Peter, Paul, Stephen, John, early believers) exemplified costly, steadfast commitment; following is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Self‑examination: ask whether Jesus is your guide/authority in daily decisions, actions, and priorities, not just something you claim in a bio or attendances.

Scriptures mentioned: Luke 9:57 (passage), 1 Peter 2:21, Matthew 16:24, 1 John 2:3-4, John 10:27, John 15:14, Romans 12:1