Title: The Cost of Following Jesus
Contents Dear brothers and sisters, how much does it cost to believe in Jesus these days?
I know this sudden question is going to be a question that baffles you, but it was a pastoral interest that I wanted to ask at least once. And as a pastor, I thought about how much it cost. The result was too small. I lived my life thinking that I was the best in my own way, but realizing that I was at a poor level, I repented to the Lord.
A rich young man came to Jesus (Mark 10). And he said to Jesus, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (verse 17). “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God” (verse 18). ‘Do you not know the commandments? Keep the commandments,' the young man confesses. “I have kept all these things from my youth.” Then Jesus loved the young man and said, “You lack one thing. Sell what you have and give it to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven. And come, follow me” (verse 21). Here, “You are rather lacking in one thing. One thing you lack” What does the Lord say you lack?
‘Yes, you kept it, but you kept it only for yourself. Now keep it for the glory of God’. 'There are many poor neighbors around you. As you did it to them (the least of them), you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40:45). But this rich young man had a sad expression on his face, and he said that he passed away grieving. This rich man is surprised that the cost of believing in Jesus is so high.
I am amazed at what I give to my poor neighbor. They didn't think of the word (promise) that if you give to them, they will be filled with more. “Sell what you have and give to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven.” This young man was eventually lost because he had many of this one secret. In fact, where is mine? Isn't it his of all things?
“I came from the womb naked (red blood), and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21). ‘Aha, that’s right!! (Oh, that is right!!)’ I am amazed. Everyone, aren't you? These are words to be cherished for the rest of your life. How can I repay this favor? Knowing this right away, how dare we say the cost of faith. How can words describe the great love of God (Hymns 404).
So Jesus himself speaks. “If you would come after me, deny yourself and take up your cross and follow me.” The greatest pride of a Christian is to be a disciple of Christ. “Follow. “Follow Me” means to make disciples of the Word. Today's text is talking about the cost of becoming a disciple of the Lord.
First, it is ‘denial of oneself’. Jesus said, "If you want to follow me, don't look at me who works miracles, but see me, who has nowhere to lay your head, and decide if you can follow me" (Luke 9:58)
Next, he says, “Take the absolute priority of following Jesus” (verse 59). “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Whatever you do, this absolute priority must be kept. This is the beginning of a great believer.
Third, “total devotion” is required (verse 61). Being a disciple (following Christ) is the way to give up everything. Matthew left customs, and Peter left the boat and net. Is that all? He died by hanging upside down on a cross. Abraham left the home of his native relatives and sacrificed his son Isaac in Moriah. Moses abandoned the Egyptian palace, and Stephen the deacon was stoned to death. Are you a true disciple of Christ, or are you still in the crowd?