The Cost of Following Jesus: Three Profound Realities
Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:32-39 are some of the most challenging in the Bible. They compel us to reflect deeply on what it means to follow Him. In this passage, Jesus lays out the cost of discipleship, revealing that it’s not a path of ease or comfort but one that demands total commitment. Here are three key truths about the cost of following Jesus based on this Scripture.
- Publicly Acknowledging Jesus May Cost You Approval
Jesus begins by declaring the importance of publicly acknowledging Him: “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven” (verses 32-33). This reveals the weight of declaring our faith in a world that may not understand or accept it.
Standing for Christ might mean losing the approval of others. It could lead to awkward conversations, strained relationships, or even rejection in social, professional, or family settings. Yet, the reward Jesus promises—being acknowledged before the Father in heaven—far outweighs these temporary challenges. The question we must ask ourselves is: Do we value God’s eternal approval more than the fleeting acceptance of the world?
- Following Jesus May Bring Division
Jesus makes a startling statement: “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword” (verse 34). At first glance, this seems to contradict His role as the Prince of Peace. However, Jesus is highlighting the inevitable division that arises when people choose to follow Him wholeheartedly.
This division can occur even in the most intimate relationships. Jesus says, “I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother” (verse 35). Following Jesus may create tension or conflict with loved ones who do not share your faith. This does not mean we are to seek conflict, but it underscores the reality that loyalty to Christ must come above all else, even family ties. True discipleship sometimes requires hard choices that demonstrate our ultimate allegiance to Him.
- Discipleship Requires Total Surrender
Jesus’ call to discipleship is not partial; it demands our whole life. He says, “If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it” (verses 38-39).
Taking up your cross means embracing sacrifice, suffering, and even death to self. It’s a call to live counter-culturally, prioritizing God’s will over personal desires or ambitions. This level of surrender is daunting, but it leads to a paradoxical truth: when we let go of our own plans and embrace God’s, we discover true life. It’s a life of purpose, joy, and eternal significance.
Conclusion: Counting the Cost, Embracing the Reward
Following Jesus is costly. It demands public acknowledgment of our faith, a willingness to endure division,potential isolation in our commitment to total surrender. Yet, the rewards are infinitely greater. To be acknowledged by Jesus before the Father, to experience the peace that comes from knowing Him, and to find true life in surrendering to His will—these are treasures worth any price.
As you reflect on these truths, consider where God might be calling you to step out in faith and pay the cost. Remember, the path of discipleship may be challenging, but it is the way to eternal life and a relationship with the One who gave everything for you.
Grok
Part 1: The Call to Sacrifice
Understanding the Cost
When Jesus called His disciples, He did not sugarcoat the journey ahead. In Luke 9:23, He clearly states, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” The cost of following Jesus begins with a profound act of personal sacrifice—denying oneself. This isn’t just about giving up material possessions; it’s about relinquishing control over one’s desires, plans, and very identity for the sake of Christ.
Sacrifice of Comfort: Following Jesus often means stepping out of your comfort zone. It might mean moving to a new place, changing jobs, or altering your lifestyle to align more closely with His teachings. It’s about living in the world but not being of the world, which requires a daily commitment to spiritual discipline and obedience.
Sacrifice of Relationships: Not all will understand or accept your new life direction. Jesus warned, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). This might mean facing opposition or even estrangement from family and friends who do not share your faith. The cost here is emotional and relational, demanding a choice between pleasing others and pleasing God.
Part 2: The Challenge of Persecution
Embracing the Hardships
Persecution is not merely a historical footnote; it’s a contemporary reality for many who follow Christ. Jesus Himself promised, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The cost of discipleship includes the readiness to face opposition, mockery, or even physical harm for holding fast to the truth of the Gospel.
Facing Opposition: Whether it’s through social ostracism, legal challenges, or direct threats, believers around the world experience varying degrees of persecution. This cost is not just about endurance but also about witness; it’s an opportunity to demonstrate the reality of faith through love, forgiveness, and steadfastness.
Spiritual Warfare: Beyond physical persecution, there’s a spiritual dimension where the battle is fought in prayer, faith, and moral integrity. Satan, as described in Scripture, is an adversary who seeks to thwart the work of God in and through His followers. The cost here includes vigilance, spiritual fortitude, and the daily armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Part 3: The Reward of Eternal Perspective
The Joy Beyond the Cost
While the costs of following Jesus are significant, the rewards are immeasurable. Jesus assures us, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25). Here, the cost is juxtaposed with the eternal gain:
Eternal Life: The ultimate reward is not just a future in Heaven but the transformation of life here and now. Following Jesus opens up a life of peace, joy, purpose, and the presence of God.
Spiritual Growth: Every sacrifice and hardship serves to refine and shape us more into the likeness of Christ. The challenges we face are not merely obstacles but opportunities for growth, where our faith is tested, purified, and strengthened.
Community and Mission: By laying down our lives, we gain brothers and sisters in faith, becoming part of a global family with a shared mission. The cost of discipleship includes the joy of communal living, where we support, encourage, and grow together towards Christ.
Conclusion: The cost of following Jesus is steep, involving personal sacrifice, facing persecution, and maintaining an eternal perspective. Yet, these costs are not without purpose or reward. They are investments in an eternal kingdom, where every loss in this life is balanced by gain in the life to come. As you walk this path, remember, the One who calls you is faithful; He will do it.
Lets Pray:
‘Father, I have decided to fully follow Jesus. Help me to faifhfully obey in all that You require of me. I trust You Jesus to speak and direct me now, and every day, Amen’