Luke 9:62

Analysis & Commentary

Jesus responds to a would-be disciple: 'No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.' The plowing metaphor illustrates single-minded devotion—a plowman looking back makes crooked furrows. 'Looking back' (Greek 'blepōn eis ta opisō,' βλέπων εἰς τὰ ὀπίσω) means focusing on what's behind rather than forward. Kingdom work requires undistracted commitment, not divided loyalty. The statement 'is fit' (Greek 'euthe tos,' εὔθετός) means suitable, useful—divided hearts are useless for kingdom purposes. Discipleship demands wholehearted, forward-focused commitment.

Historical Context

This was the third in a series of discipleship encounters (vv. 57-62). A man wanted to follow Jesus but first bury his father (v. 59-60), another wanted to say goodbye to family (v. 61). Jesus' responses seem harsh by cultural standards—honoring parents and proper burial were sacred duties. Yet Jesus demands priority over even legitimate obligations. Plowing was common agricultural work in first-century Palestine, requiring focused attention to create straight furrows for planting. A plowman constantly looking back produced unusable, crooked rows. The metaphor of 'looking back' may allude to Lot's wife (Genesis 19:26), who looked back on what she was leaving and became a pillar of salt.

Questions for Reflection

• How does the plowing metaphor illustrate the necessity of wholehearted, undivided commitment in discipleship?
• What does Jesus' demand for priority over legitimate family obligations teach about the radical nature of kingdom commitment?