Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 9:62

"But Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." — Luke 9:62 (ASV)

No man, having put his hand, &c. To put one's hand to a plough is a proverbial expression to signify undertaking any business. So that a ploughman may accomplish his work, he must look onward—be intent on his employment—and not look back with regret that he undertook it.

So in religion. He who enters on it must do it with his whole heart. He who comes still loving the world—still looking with regret on its pleasures, its wealth, and its honors—who has not wholly forsaken them as his portion, cannot be a Christian and is not fit for the kingdom of God.

How searching is this test to those who profess to be Christians! And how solemn the duty of all people to renounce all earthly objects, and to be not only almost, but altogether, followers of the Son of God! It is perilous to tamper with the world—to look at its pleasures or to seek its society.

He who would enter heaven must come with a heart full of love to God; giving all into His hands, and prepared always to give up all his property, his health, his friends, his body, his soul to God, when He demands them, or he cannot be a Christian. Religion is everything or nothing. He who is not willing to sacrifice everything for the cause of God, is really willing to sacrifice nothing.