Following Jesus

what does is cost?

Matthew 8:18–22 “Now when Jesus saw many crowds around him, he gave orders to depart to the other side. And a scribe approached and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go!” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” And another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead!””

Following Jesus comes with a significant cost, requiring deep commitment and sacrifice. Jesus himself warned potential followers to carefully consider this cost before committing[1][2]. This may involve giving up comfort, security, popularity, and even family ties[1][3]. The journey of discipleship often leads to persecution, suffering, and potentially martyrdom[3]. Jesus emphasized that followers must be willing to "die to self" and prioritize their commitment to Him above all else[3][4]. This radical call goes beyond mere church attendance or volunteering, demanding a complete transformation of one's life and values[3]. While the cost is high, the spiritual rewards of discipleship are described as eternal and invaluable[1][2]. Despite the challenges, the early church embraced this teaching and lived it out, as evidenced throughout the New Testament[4].

John 15:18 “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you.”

John 15: