IT WAS NEVER GOING TO BE EASY!
Opening Prayer
Thank you, Jesus, that in your call for me to follow you, is the assurance that you go before me, preparing the way and providing all I need.
Read LUKE 14:25–35
The Cost of Being a Disciple
25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’
31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
34 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? 35 It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.
“Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
At this moment, what is the hardest thing for you in your walk with Jesus?Seemingly harsh words from Jesus. Was he really asking us to hate others, especially our loved ones? Jesus was using hyperbolic language here. Just as in Matthew 18:8, 9, where he referred to gouging out eyes and cutting off hands, he was making extravagant statements, not intended to be taken literally but used to emphasize the importance of what he was teaching. Our primary allegiance must be to Jesus, rather than family.
The reference to carrying our cross reminds us that it cost Jesus everything to do God’s will, so it won’t be easy for us. The illustrations Jesus used for counting the cost (literally) in verses 28–30 and being in charge of an army going to war (vv. 31–33) speak for themselves. The final reference to salt (v. 34) is a reminder of our need to make a significant difference for others and the world we live in by the way we live—a tough challenge in itself. ‘Salvation in Jesus is not merely a transaction. It is, at heart, a covenantal relationship. And no relationship lasts without loyal commitments and actions… Jesus’ command to “Follow me” is both gift and demand.’*
Apply
Following Jesus is all or nothing. Use the opportunity of this new year, with the fresh start that it brings, to recommit yourself to high cost, whole-hearted discipleship.
Closing prayer
Forgive me, Jesus, for those times when I am distracted, or even falter, as I follow you. Give me strength and perseverance to walk with you closely, never counting the cost, so that others might see you in me.
*Jeannine K. Brown, www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-23-3/ commentary-on-Luke-1425-33
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