Commitment, to Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ commanded people to make the commitment to follow him

Mt 4:19; Mt 9:9

See also Mt 19:21–22; Jn 1:43; Jn 21:19; Jn 21:22; Ro 15:5; 1 Co 1:12 There may have been a “Christ-party” at Corinth, or in contrast with the sectarianism, Paul may be asserting his own commitment to Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ frequently spelt out the cost of commitment to him

Mt 10:37–38; Mt 16:24; Jn 12:25–26

See also Mt 8:22; Mt 10:39; Mt 19:21; Lk 14:28–33; 1 Pe 2:21

Jesus Christ’s demand for commitment was sometimes met with a refusal

Luke 9:59 (NIV)

He said to another man, “Follow me.”

But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”

See also Lk 9:61

Sometimes people followed Jesus Christ without being truly committed to him

Jn 6:2 This would have been true for many in the crowds.

See also Jn 6:66

Some committed themselves wholeheartedly to his invitation

Mt 4:20; Mt 4:22; Mt 9:9; Jn 1:40

Secret commitment to Jesus Christ

John 12:42 (NIV)

Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue;

See also Jn 3:1–2

True commitment to Jesus Christ is seen in love and obedience to him

Jn 14:21; Php 2:12 In response to who Jesus Christ is and what he has done.

See also Jn 8:31; Jn 14:15; Jn 14:23–24; 1 Co 11:1; 1 Co 16:22; Eph 6:5–6; Eph 6:24; 1 Jn 2:3; 1 Jn 3:22–24; Re 14:4