Our readings this week point out how following Jesus requires a certain strength of character. Yes his call is a gift, but it still takes an effort to respond (as it did also for Elisha – 1 Kgs 19:16b, 19-21), and to stay with it.
One challenge for us in thinking about this is that we tend to have a rather particular view of what a strong character looks like, often associated with masculine attributes of strength and fortitude. But those sorts of attributes are not what Jesus is calling for. He dismisses out of hand the John and James’ idea that they should call down the wrath of God on those who didn’t “do the right thing” (Lk 9:51-62). We might note that Christians throughout the ages often seem to have missed that memo. Macho exhibitions of strength are not Jesus’ thing. But Jesus does point out it won’t necessarily be easy – looking forward to an uncertain future does require strength of character. Paul explains that making the choice of doing the Christlike thing (living in the freedom of the Spirit, being willing to love at all times) requires us to give up our instinctive responses and natural desires to fight and push back against others (Gal 5:1, 13-18).
So is there a model for this strength of character that we can relate to, that doesn’t lead us down the path of strength that is exhibited through power and control?
I suggest one may be found in the example of motherhood, and even more specifically in giving birth. A mother needs considerable strength to give birth, the process is in one way out of her control, and she may certainly try to wish it away when the pain is at its peak. However she is totally invested in following through and once a baby is delivered all the effort is forgotten and she takes delight in what has been accomplished. As we know, that is only the beginning and being a mother will continue to require much effort and possibly much sacrifice.
The path of motherhood is perhaps a better framework for us to appreciate what God is asking of us and why Jesus describes his call in the way he does. As we have learned better in recent generations, just as women can certainly exhibit “masculine” characteristics of strength and fortitude, so can men exhibit “feminine” attributes of strength and fortitude. The strength of character that the followers of Jesus need has nothing to do with being male or female, with power and control, but it has everything to do with accepting the freedom to love, to love without question or limit. God is a mother and a father – a bringer to birth – that is what he offers to us, that is what he asks of us. With God’s strength we can do that.