The Cost of Return
Notes
Transcript
25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said:
26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple.
27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?
29 For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him,
30 saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’
31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not 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, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.
Introduction:
Introduction:
Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, teaching and healing along the way. Large crowds were following him, but not all of them truly understood the cost of being a disciple.
1. The Cost of Discipleship
1. The Cost of Discipleship
Observation:
Observation:
Jesus is speaking to a large crowd of followers, but he turns to address them directly and gives a warning about the cost of following him.
Interpretation:
Interpretation:
Jesus is not saying that we should hate our family or ourselves, but he is emphasizing that our love for him must be so strong that it makes all other relationships and desires seem like hate in comparison.
Application:
Application:
We must be willing to put Jesus above all else, even our own lives and the people we love.
This means surrendering our will to his and being willing to take up our cross daily.
Sub Point 1.1: Detaching from Earthly Ties
Sub Point 1.1: Detaching from Earthly Ties
Observation:
Observation:
Jesus mentions hating ones own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters.
Interpretation:
Interpretation:
Following Jesus may require us to leave behind our earthly relationships and comforts in order to fully devote ourselves to him.
Application:
Application:
We must be willing to let go of anything or anyone that may distract us from fully following Jesus.
Sub Point 1.2: Taking Up Our Cross
Sub Point 1.2: Taking Up Our Cross
He came to pay a debt He didnt owe because we owed a debt we couldnt pay.
Anonymous.
Observation:
Observation:
Jesus tells his disciples to take up their cross and follow him.
Interpretation:
Interpretation:
The cross symbolizes suffering and sacrifice. As disciples of Jesus, we must be willing to face persecution and hardships for the sake of the gospel.
Application:
Application:
We must be prepared to endure trials and challenges for the sake of following Jesus and advancing his kingdom.
Sub Point 1.3: Surrendering Our Will
Sub Point 1.3: Surrendering Our Will
Observation:
Observation:
Jesus says that whoever does not give up everything cannot be his disciple.
Interpretation:
Interpretation:
Following Jesus requires complete submission to his will and surrendering our desires and ambitions to him.
Application:
Application:
We must be willing to let go of our own plans and desires and trust in Gods will for our lives.
2. The Need for Counting the Cost
2. The Need for Counting the Cost
Before becoming a disciple, one must carefully consider the cost involved
Sub-point: It prevents impulsive decisions that lack long-term commitment.
Sub-point: It encourages believers to fully comprehend the challenges and hardships of discipleship.
Observation:
Observation:
Jesus uses the analogy of someone building a tower to illustrate the need to count the cost before becoming a disciple.
Interpretation:
Interpretation:
Just as a builder needs to calculate the cost of materials and labor before starting a project, we must also consider the cost of following Jesus before we commit to it.
Application:
Application:
We must honestly assess the sacrifices and challenges of following Jesus before making the decision to become his disciple.
Sub Point 2.1: Potential Obstacles
Sub Point 2.1: Potential Obstacles
Observation:
Observation:
Jesus mentions the possibility of not being able to finish building the tower.
Interpretation:
Interpretation:
There may be obstacles and challenges that we cannot anticipate, which could deter us from fully committing to following Jesus.
Application:
Application:
We must be prepared for unexpected challenges and trust in Gods strength and guidance to help us overcome them.
Sub Point 2.2: Public Ridicule
Sub Point 2.2: Public Ridicule
Observation:
Observation:
Jesus mentions the ridicule that the builder may face from others if he is unable to complete the tower.
Interpretation:
Interpretation:
Following Jesus may bring criticism and mockery from those who do not understand or agree with our decision.
Application:
Application:
We must be willing to endure ridicule and stand firm in our faith as we follow Jesus, even if others do not understand.
Sub Point 2.3: Being Unfit for Service
Sub Point 2.3: Being Unfit for Service
Observation:
Observation:
Jesus mentions the possibility of someone not being able to finish building the tower and becoming fit for service.
Interpretation:
Interpretation:
If we do not fully commit to following Jesus and counting the cost beforehand, we may not be able to effectively serve him and fulfill our purpose in his kingdom.
Application:
Application:
We must be willing to give our all to following Jesus so that we can serve him wholeheartedly and fulfill his purpose for our lives.
3: The Cost of Total Surrender
3: The Cost of Total Surrender
The Call to Surrender Everything:
Discipleship demands a willingness to surrender possessions and personal desires
Sub-point: Taking up the cross symbolizes embracing suffering and sacrifice for Christ.
Sub-point: This demonstrates a radical abandonment of self-centeredness.
Observation:
Observation:
Jesus uses the illustration of a king going to war to emphasize the need to fully surrender our lives to him.
Interpretation:
Interpretation:
Just as a king must be willing to give everything it takes to win a war, we must be willing to give up everything to truly follow Jesus.
Application:
Application:
We must surrender everything - our possessions, ambitions, relationships - to Jesus in order to fully follow him and advance his kingdom.
Sub Point 3.1: Spiritual Warfare
Sub Point 3.1: Spiritual Warfare
Galatians 5:7–8 “7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? 8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.”
Observation:
Observation:
Jesus mentions the king going to war against another king.
Interpretation:
Interpretation:
As followers of Jesus, we are engaged in a spiritual battle against the enemy and must be prepared to sacrifice everything in order to win the war for souls.
Application:
Application:
We must be fully committed to following Jesus and dependent on his strength to defeat the enemy and advance Gods kingdom.
Sub Point 3.2: Willingness to Sacrifice
Sub Point 3.2: Willingness to Sacrifice
Observation:
Observation:
Jesus says that the kings decision to go to war depends on whether he has enough resources to defeat his enemy.
Interpretation:
Interpretation:
Following Jesus may require us to sacrifice our time, money, and resources for the sake of the gospel.
Application:
Application:
We must be willing to give sacrificially and generously for the sake of advancing Gods kingdom and serving others.
Sub Point 3.3: Total Surrender
Sub Point 3.3: Total Surrender
Observation:
Observation:
Jesus concludes by saying that anyone who does not give up everything cannot be his disciple.
Interpretation:
Interpretation:
Being a disciple of Jesus requires total surrender of our lives to him. We must be willing to give up everything and count it as loss for the sake of following him.
Application:
Application:
We must be willing to surrender everything - our possessions, desires, and even our lives - to Jesus and trust in his plan and purpose for us.
4. The Reward of True Discipleship
4. The Reward of True Discipleship
There are no crown-wearers in heaven who were not cross- bearers here below.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Following Jesus faithfully brings eternal rewards
Sub-point: Though costly, discipleship brings abundant spiritual blessings and fulfillment.
Sub-point: Though costly, discipleship brings abundant spiritual blessings and fulfillment.
Sub-point: Surrendering our own desires leads to a deeper intimacy and relationship with God.
Sub-point: Surrendering our own desires leads to a deeper intimacy and relationship with God.
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
Following Jesus is not an easy journey, but it is one of immeasurable worth. We must be willing to count the cost and give our all to him, for the reward of eternal life with him far surpasses anything we could gain in this world.
Final Application:
Final Application:
Take time to honestly assess the cost of following Jesus. Surrender everything to him and trust in his plan and purpose for your life. Stand firm in your commitment to follow him, no matter the challenges and sacrifices that may come your way.