When Jesus says, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God,’ he is calling his followers to unwavering commitment.
Likewise Winston Churchill’s speeches rallied Londoners to stand firm in WW2, to carry on with courage and defiance, even as bombs fell and homes were destroyed.
‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ he would advise.
His message was clear: do not flinch, do not falter—’Carry on London’ he would say.
This call to perseverance echoed the words of Jesus in Luke 9:57–62.
Both voices—Christ’s and Churchill’s —speak into moments of challenge and change.
The Archbishop of Canterbury
As the Church of England awaits the announcement of its next spiritual leader, we can see similarities in the words of Luke 9:57-62.
St Luke wrote about movement—of stepping forward into the Christian mission with courage, clarity, and commitment.
But the words are also about tension: the tension between desire and delay, between enthusiasm and hesitation, between following and looking back.
Similarly, our new Archbishop will be tasked with the tensions of guiding a church, navigating cultural shifts, spiritual hunger, and global challenges.
So they will not only be a person like Jesus and able to call people to deeper discipleship, but also (like Churchill, perhaps) a person with grit who could speak hope into hardship.
But just as important, our new leader will depend on the backing of other Christians to pull together and offer 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 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 these words spoken by Jesus.
Remember that leadership throughout the worldwide Church is not a position of ease—it’s a calling of burden.
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 that discipleship demands that we prioritise the mission over even the most sacred obligations.
Today; the Church cannot afford to be passive in these times of change.
We must rally behind the mission, behind the Gospel, and behind those called to lead us.
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 turns to look 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, and focus on the future.
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.
Jesus stood firm with his disciples about what he required of them, but they did not fully comprehend the truth until after his death.
Likewise, the new Archbishop will have their own vision and will face immense pressure—from far and wide.
And they, like church leaders worldwide, will value Christians who can Keep Calm and Carry On, even when the going gets tough.
