The Cost of Following Jesus

Our scripture is Luke 14:25-33, which states:

“[25] And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, [26] If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. [27] And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. [28] For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? [29] Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, [30] Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. [31] Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? [32] Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. [33] So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple."

Jesus explained to his disciples what it meant to truly follow him. They would have to give up everything, including possessions, relationships or even power. We as Christians must likewise do the the same. Today's devotion explores the cost of following Jesus.

Prioritizing Jesus above family:

Luke 14:26 states,

“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.”  Child of God your earthly relationships father, mother, husband, wife, child or friend cannot take precedent over your relationship with Jesus Christ.

Jesus says that one must “hate” their own family in comparison to their love for him, meaning putting him first even above family ties. Our allegiance is to God first. 

Matthew 22:37-40 states:

“[37] Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [38] This is the first and great commandment. [39] And the second Is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. [40] On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”  Our love and commitment must be to God first.

Carrying the cross:

Luke 14:27 states,

“And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”

The imagery of carrying one’s cross symbolizes the willingness to endure hardship and persecution for following Jesus.   Jesus suffered so we to must be willing to suffer.  This is a hard saying and expectation of the Christian or followers of Christ.  However we will endure hardships as being a follower of Christ.  2 Timothy 3:12 states,

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

Renouncing all possessions:

Verse 33 states, “So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” 

You possessions or things you own can’t become more valuable to you than your relationship with Jesus Christ.  He must become the priority alone. 

Matthew 6:33 states that,

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Application:

Our text today reminds us that discipleship has a cost, but the reward of following Jesus is far greater than anything we could give up.

Followers of Christ must understand:

• Suffering or hardship is a mark of our discipleship to Jesus Christ (bearing the Cross)

• Jesus must be our first priority

• Nothing should be more important than our relationship with Jesus Christ