40 DAY GOSPEL CHALLENGE | COUNT THE COST
Count the Cost
In Luke 14, Jesus is well into His earthly ministry and has done many amazing things. Jesus brought a widow’s son back to life in the middle of his funeral. He calmed a raging sea with the power of His words. And He fed thousands of people with just a little bread and a couple of fish. Everyone loved the miracles, the healing, and the free food, so Jesus was drawing a large following.
But at the end of Luke 14, Jesus shared some eye-opening words with His would-be followers:
Luke 14:28 – But don’t begin (to follow Me) until you count the cost.
These words undoubtedly caused people to pause and reconsider their commitment to following Jesus. Without question, being a Jesus follower brings joy and fulfillment beyond words. But Jesus wants us to be aware that as we follow Him, it is not always “miracles, healing, and free food.” Sometimes, there is a cost.
There will be times when God’s way conflicts with our own desires. There will be times when we will be called to sacrifice our time, efforts, and money. And there may even be times when we must choose to put God ahead of our family and loved ones. There will be times when following Jesus will cost us something.
Nevertheless, being a Jesus follower is always worth the cost! Let’s commit to being faithful followers even when it may cost us something.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 – 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
James McKinzie | DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR
In Luke 14, Jesus is well into His earthly ministry and has done many amazing things. Jesus brought a widow’s son back to life in the middle of his funeral. He calmed a raging sea with the power of His words. And He fed thousands of people with just a little bread and a couple of fish. Everyone loved the miracles, the healing, and the free food, so Jesus was drawing a large following.
But at the end of Luke 14, Jesus shared some eye-opening words with His would-be followers:
Luke 14:28 – But don’t begin (to follow Me) until you count the cost.
These words undoubtedly caused people to pause and reconsider their commitment to following Jesus. Without question, being a Jesus follower brings joy and fulfillment beyond words. But Jesus wants us to be aware that as we follow Him, it is not always “miracles, healing, and free food.” Sometimes, there is a cost.
There will be times when God’s way conflicts with our own desires. There will be times when we will be called to sacrifice our time, efforts, and money. And there may even be times when we must choose to put God ahead of our family and loved ones. There will be times when following Jesus will cost us something.
Nevertheless, being a Jesus follower is always worth the cost! Let’s commit to being faithful followers even when it may cost us something.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 – 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
James McKinzie | DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR
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