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It didn’t take much for Jesus to draw a crowd. News traveled fast, telling of the miracles he performed, the authority with which he taught, and the way in which he challenged the religious leaders of the day. Wherever he went people sought out his presence. Was this truly the Messiah they had been waiting for? All were hoping to witness his next miracle and soon surely, he was going to take on the Roman Empire and liberate them from their rule.

In Luke 14:25-26, Luke records Jesus as on his way to Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish Passover. It is likely that the crowds with him were also Jewish and heading to Jerusalem for the same purpose. They would have been normal, everyday people: husbands, wives, sisters and brothers, fishermen, tax collectors, and farmers. They were people like you and me who enjoyed time with their family and friends and found comfort in the familiarity of their Jewish culture and religion. Nevertheless, they were intrigued by this man who was part of their own community and yet challenged so many aspects of their worldview. Still, they chose to remain part of the crowd, just close enough to watch the story unfold but far enough to remain safe.

Only a few were willing to risk stepping away from the comfort and security of their world.

There was a time in my early twenties when I began to consider the cost of following Jesus on a deeper level. I had a close group of friends who were like family to me, but who were not fellow followers. I began to understand that if I truly chose to follow Jesus, those relationships were going to change. But I wasn't ready. I wrestled with it for several months. During this time I experienced the patience and grace of God and, when I finally chose to step away from the crowd, He was there to meet me. This is the beauty of Jesus, he is present in our process and while it is ultimately our choice, He supplies the faith and courage to make it.

When we do take that step, he is always there to meet us.

Not only this, but when we step away from the crowd, when we let go of our culture and choose to live a life that is counter-cultural, we gain another community. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said this, those "who left everything when he called, who can say of themselves: behold we left everything and followed you. The promise of a new community is given to them... Jesus is speaking of his faith-community, those who come together in Him." Discipleship, 2003, P 99.

When Jesus' disciples responded to the person of Jesus and left everything to follow Him they stepped into another faith-filled community that provided support and encouragement to walk the road. Jesus both calls us to relationship with Him and one another.

Still, the decision we must make for ourselves is to step away from the safety of the crowd and follow Him.

As you reflect on this passage, ask God to show you areas in your life where you are still living as part of the crowd. We cannot deny that there is a cost to stepping away from the crowd. However, in doing so we gain so much more! Not only do we gain a community of uncommon devotion but ultimately we gain Jesus.

1. LISTEN: What are the areas of your life where you are still living as part of the crowd, unsurrendered to the Lordship of Jesus?
2. RESPOND: How is God inviting you to respond to what He is showing you?
3. ASK: Ask The Holy Spirit to strengthen you for obedience in the day ahead of you.