The concept of the cost to follow Jesus is a significant theme in the New Testament, emphasizing the sacrifices and commitments required of those who choose to be His disciples. This theme is primarily derived from the teachings of Jesus Himself, as recorded in the Gospels, and is a cornerstone of Christian discipleship.

Biblical References

1. Luke 9:23-24 : "Then Jesus said to all of them, 'If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.'" This passage highlights the necessity of self-denial and the willingness to endure suffering for the sake of Christ. The metaphor of taking up one's cross signifies a readiness to face persecution and hardship.

2. Luke 14:26-27 : "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple." Here, Jesus uses hyperbolic language to stress the priority of allegiance to Him over familial and personal attachments. The call to "hate" is understood as a call to love Christ supremely.

3. Matthew 10:37-39 : "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." This passage reiterates the demand for ultimate loyalty to Jesus, even above family ties, and the paradox of losing one's life to find true life in Him.

4. Mark 10:21 : "Jesus looked at him, loved him, and said, 'You lack one thing: Go, sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.'" In the encounter with the rich young ruler, Jesus identifies material wealth as a potential hindrance to discipleship, calling for radical generosity and trust in divine provision.

Theological Implications

The cost of following Jesus involves a comprehensive reorientation of one's life. It requires prioritizing Christ above all earthly relationships and possessions. This commitment is not merely an emotional or intellectual assent but a transformative journey marked by daily decisions to align one's life with the teachings and example of Jesus.

Practical Considerations

1. Self-Denial: Followers of Jesus are called to deny their own desires and ambitions when they conflict with the will of God. This involves a conscious decision to place God's purposes above personal gain or comfort.

2. Perseverance in Trials: The metaphor of carrying one's cross suggests enduring trials and persecution for the sake of the Gospel. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith, even when faced with opposition.

3. Sacrificial Living: The call to sell possessions and give to the poor, as seen in the account of the rich young ruler, underscores the importance of living a life of generosity and detachment from material wealth. This reflects a trust in God's provision and a focus on eternal treasures.

4. Supreme Allegiance: The demand for loyalty to Christ above all else challenges believers to evaluate their priorities and affections. This allegiance may lead to difficult choices, including the potential alienation from family or society.

Historical Context

In the early Christian community, the cost of discipleship was often literal, involving persecution, social ostracism, and even martyrdom. The early church understood these teachings as a call to radical commitment, which fueled the spread of the Gospel despite significant opposition.

Conclusion

The cost to follow Jesus is a profound and challenging aspect of Christian discipleship. It calls for a life of self-denial, perseverance, sacrificial living, and supreme allegiance to Christ. These teachings continue to resonate with believers today, inviting them to a deeper and more committed walk with their Savior.Luke 9:23-26
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Topicalbible.org

Luke 9:23
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Topicalbible.org

Matthew 10:37
He that loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Topicalbible.org

Luke 14:26
If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
Topicalbible.org

Jesus' Conditions of Friendship.
... disciples, but that discipleship must be unconditional, whatever the cost, and that ...
make it easy for inquirers to begin to follow Christ, but Jesus set a ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter iv jesus conditions of.htm

Chapter twenty
... next Sunday and stand up before them in my large city church and say: Let us follow
Jesus closer; let us walk in His steps where it will cost us something more ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twenty.htm

What Jesus Asks of his Friends and Helpers
... the Kingdom of God." Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord ... say good-by to
my people at home." Jesus said to ... not first sit down and count the cost, to see ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/what jesus asks of his.htm

Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory.
... The cross is a symbol for duty which is to be performed daily, at any cost, even
that of the most painful death. The disciple must follow Jesus, both as to his ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxx third withdrawal from herods 3.htm

Chapter thirty-one
... "What would Jesus do? ... Is he not commanded to follow in His steps? ... Is it denying
itself at the cost of ease, comfort, luxury, elegance of living? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter thirty-one.htm

The Price of Power.
... this is included in these few simple words, "let him deny himself." Is there still
a fixed purpose to follow Jesus without regard to what it may cost us, or ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/the price of power.htm

Jesus and his Secret Friends.
... taken sublime courage for one of these to confess Jesus as the Messiah, and the
cost of such ... Jesus has returned to Jerusalem, and multitudes follow him to ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter xii jesus and his.htm

Cost of Discipleship must be Counted.
... of those adherents which now surrounded him, Jesus made use ... in the two brief parables
which follow.] 28 For ... not first sit down and count the cost, whether he ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xci cost of discipleship must.htm

And in Jesus Christ, his Only Son, Our Lord, who was Conceived by ...
... now, and in their place has come Jesus Christ, Lord of ... But all the points which follow
in order in this ... it was accomplished, that is, how much it cost Him, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/and in jesus christ his.htm

Chapter ten
... Was it necessary in order to follow Jesus' steps to go up ... The imitation of Jesus
which had begun with the ... I want to do something that will cost me something in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter ten.htm

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