A Pricey Commitment

Outline:

1. Statingthe Cost (v. 25-27)

Explanation:

· V.25: Jesus had a big crowd gathering Him. Gives them an usual response

o My response would have been different!

· V. 26-28: Jesus’ response was blunt and direct

o Gives three Requirements to follow Him and here is the first one

1. You must HATE your family members.

o Obviously, Christ does not mean this literally!

o By comparison, our love for him should be so much more than our love for our family

o Example: A family that disowns their child for their faith in Christ

2. Carry our own cross

o This was a process criminals did in the Roman culture, they would carry the cross in which the Roman government was crucifying them on

o The thought: you are willing to lose your life for following Christ

Argumentation:

Illustration:

· The Blind man on the side of the road receiving sight

Application:

· Jesus wasn’t interested those who were emotionally interested in Him

o Are you “emotionally interested in Him”

· He wants those who see what it means to claim Christ and is ready to sacrifice!

2. Counting the Cost (v. 28-32)

Explanation:

· V.28- Jesus uses two illustrations worth noting about being a follower of Him

· Illustration #1 (v. 28-30): Construction Worker building a Mansion

o What construction company doesn’t sit down and map how must money, materials and time this project will require

o It’s foolish not to!

o This is no temporary, small building Jesus is talking about. The words used in Greek are to paint the picture of a MANSION.

§ See? Jesus is warning us!

· Illustration #2: King going into War

o You better have a plan going into war

o NOTE: This is an underdog team!

Argumentation:

·

o Peter tells us not to be surprised! But to count as a victory

o Christ sacrificed Himself, I believe that’s enough to call us to this kind of commitment.

Illustration:

Application:

· There is no such thing as a temporary faith

· When you say, “ I realize I NEED Jesus” it’s not just to get you through your present trial. It’s a new LIFE!

· You say, “Timothy why would I commit myself to this?” Simple. “Life or death.”

3. Contemplating the Cost (v.33)

Explanation:

· Here we have the third requirement to be a follower of Jesus

o Forsake All

· We’re now at the stage where we KNOW we need to be a follower of Jesus, but we’ve been counting the cost and we have to decide if Jesus is worth it.

· That’s right, your commitment to following Jesus comes down to answering one question, “IS JESUS WORTH IT?”

· If He is, you will forsake all. If he’s not, then you may tarry on with your pride, possessions, and temporary life.

Argumentation:

·

· Rich young ruler

o Wanted to be a Jesus follower

o One step away but decided his goods are worth more than Jesus

Illustration:

· Why? Why does Jesus require this? I’ve heard people before claim that Jesus is a jerk, prideful and self-centered.

· Me and Hannah-Kait at the coffee shop

Application:

· Are you a follower of Jesus? You’ve seen the requirements. It’s probably more than you thought.

· Some of us need to realize it’s more than we think

· Is Jesus enough? Is He enough to love with all your heart. Is He enough to give your life for? (He did for you) Is He enough to sell, give up, grow past whatever your “everything” is in your life?