Luke 9:57–62 is a passage about movement—about stepping forward into discipleship with courage, clarity, and commitment.
But it’s also a passage about tension: the tension between desire and delay, between enthusiasm and hesitation, between following and looking back.
Likewise, as the Church of England awaits the imminent announcement of our next Archbishop of Canterbury, we find ourselves in a similar moment.
A moment of transition. A moment of fragility. A moment that calls for forward-looking faith and wholehearted support.
The Cost of Following
Jesus said to his disciples; ‘Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head. (v.58)
- He was warning would-be disciples that following him meant embracing discomfort, uncertainty, and even social alienation.
- He was reminding them that spiritual commitment often involves sacrifice, and that leadership in God’s kingdom is marked by humility, not privilege.
Today: As we look forward to welcoming a new Archbishop, we must remember that leadership in all of Christ’s Churches is not a position of ease—it’s a calling of burden. It’s a time to remember that, like Jesus, our leaders walk a path of sacrifice, and they need our full support.
The Urgency of the Call
Jesus said: ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ (v.60)
- He didn’t mean to be harsh, rather he was urgent. Because the Kingdom cannot wait.
- He meant that discipleship demands that we prioritise the mission over even the most sacred obligations.
Today: The Church cannot afford to be passive in this time of change. We must rally behind the mission, behind the Gospel, and behind those called to lead it. The next Archbishop will need a Church that is ready—not just to observe, but to proclaim the good news of Jesus.
The Danger of Looking Back
Jesus said: ‘No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.’ (v.62)
- A ploughman who looks back at the straight line he has just ploughed will create a curve in the line, which means a crooked furrow, that will need to be rectified before he can carry on.
- But Jesus calls us to plough ahead with purpose. Because looking back implies uncertainty, a lack of faith, and a waste of time.
Today: As a Church, we must resist the temptation to look back to the past. Our new leader will bring new vision, and we must be ready to walk with them, even if we don’t fully understand their direction.
Supporting Leadership with Faith
The disciples often misunderstood Jesus. Peter rebuked Him. Thomas doubted Him. Yet Jesus still called them, still loved them, still led them.
Likewise, we may not always grasp the reasoning of our leaders. But support is not about perfect agreement—it’s about shared commitment to Christ and the overall mission.
The Church of England Today:
The next Archbishop will face immense pressure—from within and beyond the Church.
They will need a community that prays, encourages, and walks beside them.
We must be a Church that says, ‘We’re with you,’ even when we’re still learning what the path ahead looks like.
Closing Challenges to ask ourselves:
- Am I looking back at what was, or forward to what God is doing now?
- Am I waiting for perfect clarity, or stepping forward in faith?
- Am I ready to support the one God is calling to lead—even when the road ahead is unfamiliar?
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, You call us to follow—not with perfect understanding, but with perfect trust.
As we await the next Archbishop of Canterbury, prepare our hearts to support, to serve, and to walk forward together.
Teach us to be a Church that looks ahead, that lifts up its leaders, and that keeps its eyes fixed on You. Amen.
