Following Jesus 80

Those who disciple are those who by teaching explain the truth of God. “Teaching them… (Matthew 28:20a). Those who disciple are those who after being taught, observe and obey the truth they have been told. “…to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20b). Discipleship is also “…the obedience (agreement, respect, submission) to those teachings that promote the lifelong lifestyle of becoming ever more like Jesus (in my character), thereby bringing Him glory.” 

 

What are the costs of discipleship? What are the costs of discipleship? The Scriptures indicate that there are many consequences to being a follower of Jesus and obeying His commandments. Let us examine a few more.

 

Counter Cultural Priorities - Luke 14:26, 27, 33 – “Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:25-27; 33 ESV).

 

Unreserved Commitment - John 21:15–19– “When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me” (John 21:15-19 ESV). 

 

Persecution. Matthew 5:11-12 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely hon my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

 

Talking Points