An unforgettable comment was made at the New York City Marathon, and was recorded by a newspaper reporter. When the wheelchair participants came into view and people began to applaud, a man alongside the reporter remarked, "Wait until the real runners come along!" Another person nearby said, "This is as real as it gets!" (Donald J. Shelby, "Unless the Race Is Worth Running,")

That is where it is today with our scripture lesson. Jesus' call is "as real as it gets": "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God."

Jesus is talking about discipleship, about following Him. This particular word is His response to three men who said they wanted to follow, but gave reasons why they couldn't do it then. Let's look at these three men and their excuses.

I. A Vi…