Counting the Cost

The New International Version (Chapter 9)

As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem.

One thing I hate is when people say there is no cost but there always are costs. Whether that be the shipping and handling or whether it be hidden fees.

We as Christian’s have been told following Jesus doesn’t cost a thing, yet many feel like there was a bait and switch.

If [following Jesus Christ] doesn't cost you anything, it's because you've bought into 'American Christianity.' - Author: Paul Washer

Following Jesus always comes at a COST

The New International Version (Chapter 9)

As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem.

The Samaritan and Jewish hatred stems from the invasion of Assyria in Israel. The Assyrians settled there and from the mixing of the two created Samaritan’s. They were essentially considered “half-breed” and not fully Jewish.

The New International Version (Chapter 9)

When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them. 56 Then he and his disciples went to another village.

Following Jesus costs you your ACTIONS

Jesus could have been just like the other Jewish leaders. He could have went around the town and not interacted with them at all. But in doing so, he wouldn’t have been able to teach the disciples that no one is except from God’s grace.

The New International Version (Chapter 9)

As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

Following Jesus costs you your COMFORT

Jesus does not shy away from what it will be like. He reveals the truth of what it takes to follow him. Most of us think that the term Christian means to just believe in Jesus, he explains it is much more than that.

The New International Version (Chapter 9)

He said to another man, “Follow me.”But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”

The New International Version Chapter 9

Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

The burial of family members was a sacred act in the times of Jesus. It took importance over anything, including Passover sacrifice. Jesus was not saying that this man was wrong to go and bury his father, but what Jesus was saying is that the priorities of the heart are revealed when we choose our wants over the needs of the kingdom.

Following Jesus costs you your PRIORITIES

The New International Version (Chapter 9)

Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”

The New International Version (Chapter 9)

Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

Again, the desires of our heart is that biggest deterrent of a kingdom calling. This person may have wanted to just say good-bye, but what happens when your family speaks against the calling Jesus gives us.

In order to keep the rows straight as a farmer, their heads had to be focused forward or else risk running into other rows or veering off course.

Following Jesus costs you your RELATIONSHIPS

We do not merely add Jesus Christ to our lives and continue in the same direction. Following Christ means we stop, turn around, and pursue Him.

Author: Steven J. Lawson

What does this mean for you?

While the gift of salvation is free, there is cost in following Jesus. We were not made to just believe and continue living a life of mediocre faith. We were called to do so much more. We have the chance to really display the love of Christ. But it calls for transformation. It calls for sacrifice. It calls to follow.

Maybe there are some in here today that are struggling to follow. Maybe there are relationships that you are in that are hindering your walk with Jesus. Maybe there are some things in your life that have taken the spot that Jesus wants.

If that is you today, I ask that you just simply raise your hand. If you feel lead, we are going to open the alters. If you would like to make an alter where you are that will be fine, too. If you need to get back on track with Jesus, I ask that you follow the call. Don’t wait, don’t put it off, but allow Christ to be magnified in your life.