Luke 14:25-33
25 Now large crowds were traveling with [Jesus], and he turned and said to them, 26 “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, 30 saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he cannot, then while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. 33 So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.”
25 Now large crowds were traveling with [Jesus], and he turned and said to them…
Jesus had become popular, a Superstar, if you will. Everywhere he went, huge crowds of people came out to see and hear him. He was a sensation! And then he turned and said to them…
What he said next caused most of the people to walk away shaking their heads. What did Jesus say that caused so many of his followers to leave…
Jesus asked something of them. Up to that point, Jesus had been the main attraction. He performed miracles and preached great sermons. He even offered a dinner show one night when it got too late for folks to find food for themselves. They consumed everything he offered them and came back asking for more…
And then Jesus dropped the hammer. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple – and a bunch of other things that are equally difficult. That day, Jesus made it clear that Christianity is not a spectator sport, or a consumable product. Following Jesus doesn’t cost us something. It costs us everything…
So, if you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime – to find the deepest desire of your heart – say yes to becoming a follower of Jesus. But know that he demands everything – our absolute loyalty, above all others – the use of everything we own – an honored place in every one of our relationships – and more…
Prayer: Lord Jesus: Show me what I must do to follow you more completely. AMEN