I have often been among those who loudly assert that there is no such thing as individual salvation or a personal savior. The church, for better or worse, is the ark and we are all on board together whether we like it or not. At first it might appear that Jesus directly contradicts that assertion by putting forward the image of disciple as rugged individual. The disciple stands alone with no ties to family or goods, absolutely free to live, or die, as his or her call demands.
But then again, perhaps this teaching directs the disciple not to rugged individuality but to a new kind of community. Each Christian emerges from the waters of baptism alone and, symbolically if not in reality, naked. The old order of relationships based on clan and tribe has been overthrown making a new network of relationships possible. The old economy of scarcity has been transformed, freeing the disciple from the tyranny of possessions. Blood and gold no longer determine belonging or status. All are welcome in this new ecclesia. Finally, after baptism, the disciple lives on the other side of death, no longer dominated by fear or the clutching after mere survival.
None of this is to suggest that the demands of discipleship are not difficult. The cross remains. The blessing is that we do not carry our crosses alone.
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