Counting the Costs

Jesus had some strong words to say about the cost of being one of His disciples. As the impact of Jesus’ teaching ministry grew so did the number of followers He began to attract. Followers, however, are not necessarily the same thing as real disciples. Not all of those who followed Jesus were His disciples. To some Jesus was nothing more than a curiosity. He was entertainment. That group of people was “following” Jesus as we might follow an interesting news story curious to see how things will turn out but not deeply invested in what’s going on.

So imagine their surprise when Jesus turned to a growing crowd of followers and unapologetically told them that “if anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). Your mind immediately wants to resolve the tension doesn’t it? Before you start figuring out ways to explain what Jesus "really meant" by such a provocative statement take a minute to allow His words to provoke you.

The cost of being a disciple of Jesus Christ is very great. The reward, however, is beyond anything that this world can offer you. Being a disciple of Jesus may cost you a career, a friendship, or even your life; but with it comes an enduring joy that will carry you through this life into the next.

-Aaron