First Sunday in Lent: Gospel, Luke 4:1-13                     

Luke 4:1-13

Titles are funny things. Just what is a writer supposed to divulge with a chosen title? Any title? This week’s gospel reading prompted me to give a title that will point to an issue that is a personal one. And yet I believe I will remain faithful to the text. I hope it translates well to you, the reader. Luke, who gives us such great insights into the work of the Holy Spirit, both in his gospel and in his second volume, The Acts of the Apostles, hits us squarely between the eyes this week. “Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness being tempted for forty days by the devil” (Luke 4:1-2a). Twice in a very few chosen words, Luke references the Holy Spirit. And what is He up to? Filling Jesus and leading Jesus. But wait! He is leading Jesus into the wilderness where a great enemy awaits. Something seems amiss.

Now to my title. In recent years the personal “tag” Christians in America have largely adopted is “Christ Follower.” Unknown to many, there actually is a reason. The word “disciple” had begun to fall from popularity in evangelical circles. Too “churchy.” And no one uses that term anywhere else in life. So at least some of the reasoning went. So “Christ Follower” appeared on the scene and it stuck. Here’s where it gets personal. I don’t like it. I never have. And here’s why. The onus is on me or us. “I am a Christ Follower.” Disciple simply means “learner.” Not very glamorous. So I propose an alternative if we must leave “disciple” behind.( I never will)  But how about “Christ’s Follower.” Granted, it doesn’t roll off the tongue as easily and it is a tiny alteration. But there is a shift: With “Christ Follower,” I am the focus, I make the choice. In “Christ’s Follower,” I am “owned.”  The phrase shows possession. And disciples of Jesus are owned, purchased with the blood of the Savior. Back to the reading.

Jesus is being led where? By whom? It doesn’t seem right or even safe. And God the Holy Spirit is in control of this seeming jeopardy. A Christ Follower may not be comfortable stepping into the footprints of Jesus at this point. “Yes, I am a ‘Christ Follower,’” but the I is paramount. However, to say here, “I am ‘Christ’s Follower,’” takes the I out of the question, for I am owned. I will follow wherever He leads, even into points and places of danger and threat. I am “Christ’s Follower.” He owns me. He has me in His hands. Even in the wilderness.