Something Needs to Change by David PlattPrimjer

Day 6: Counting the Cost

Following Jesus requires much from us. An underlying theme in all of many of the accounts in Luke we’ve read so far is the cost of gospel obedience. Today week we’re going to focus on an idea that many of us don’t think about enough: the cost of following Jesus. 

Almost absent from any call to follow Jesus today is the cost of that call. In the first century, it was costly to follow Jesus. People lost respect, family, and even their lives. For millions of people all over the world today, it’s still costly to follow Jesus. The cost for you may be different or more subtle, but Scripture is clear: following Jesus should cost you something. 

Luke 14:25-33 is an initial invitation to follow Jesus, not a call for some kind of advanced Christian. We’re constantly tempted to follow Jesus on our own terms rather than His. We mistakenly believe this kind of Christianity is only for serious, fully mature Christians. In reality, this is basic Christianity. There are no tiers of disciples. Jesus requires the same kind of obedience from all who follow Him.    

To be clear, we shouldn’t seek persecution or hardship, but we have to be willing to put everything on the line for Jesus—our possessions, plans, dreams, and desires—and say, “Jesus, it’s all Yours. How do You want me to use it? Where do You want me to live? I’ll do whatever You want me to do.” The cost is great, but the reward is greater.

Passages like this make sense only when we realize that Jesus is supremely satisfying. He’s the treasure in a field worth selling everything to pursue. This reality is why we obey. We could never do enough to earn favor with Jesus. On the cross, Jesus did everything necessary for us to know Him and follow Him. Trust Him and follow Him, no matter the costs.