Following Jesus: The Cost and Call of Discipleship

Devotional

Day 1: The Radical Call to Follow Jesus

Following Jesus requires a complete transformation, a 180-degree shift from the world's path to a life of self-denial and cross-bearing. This journey is not merely physical but deeply spiritual, inviting believers to join Jesus in His eternal kingdom. It is a call to abandon the pursuit of worldly success and embrace a life of sacrifice and service. Jesus' invitation is not for the faint-hearted but for those willing to engage in spiritual warfare, fighting against the forces of darkness with an eternal perspective. This call demands a commitment to live for a cause greater than oneself, with the promise of eternal rewards that far outweigh any temporary pleasures or gains. [02:45]

Matthew 16:24-25 (ESV): "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.'"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to make a 180-degree shift to follow Jesus more closely? How can you begin this transformation today?

Day 2: The Challenge of True Discipleship

The story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19 illustrates the challenge of true discipleship, which requires undivided loyalty and a willingness to sacrifice worldly attachments for the kingdom. Despite his moral life and sincere inquiry about eternal life, the young man is unwilling to part with his wealth, revealing a heart divided by worldly attachments. Jesus' response highlights the necessity of undivided loyalty and willingness to sacrifice for the kingdom. True discipleship is not about superficial success but about a deep, transformative commitment to His cause. [22:28]

Luke 14:33 (ESV): "So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple."

Reflection: What worldly attachment is holding you back from fully committing to Jesus? What step can you take today to begin letting go of this attachment?

Day 3: Obedience and Authority in Jesus' Kingdom

Jesus' kingdom is built on an authority structure where obedience is paramount. Faith in Christ cannot be separated from obedience to Him, and this obedience is essential for being part of His army. The call to discipleship is a call to sacrifice, to fight the good fight, and to live for a cause greater than oneself. This is not a call for the faint-hearted but for those willing to engage in spiritual warfare, to fight against the forces of darkness, and to live with an eternal perspective. [28:41]

1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"

Reflection: In what area of your life is God calling you to greater obedience? How can you take a step of obedience today, trusting in His authority?

Day 4: The Cost of Discipleship

Discipleship involves sacrifice and a willingness to fight the good fight. It is a call to engage in spiritual warfare and live for a cause greater than oneself, with an eternal perspective. This journey requires a commitment to live for a cause greater than oneself, with the promise of eternal rewards that far outweigh any temporary pleasures or gains. The sacrifices made for Christ are not in vain, and there are eternal rewards for those who follow Him wholeheartedly. [38:12]

2 Timothy 2:3-4 (ESV): "Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him."

Reflection: What is one sacrifice you can make this week to deepen your commitment to Jesus? How can this sacrifice help you focus on eternal rewards rather than temporary gains?

Day 5: The Promise of Eternal Rewards

The sacrifices made for Christ are not in vain. There are eternal rewards for those who follow Him wholeheartedly, and these rewards far outweigh any temporary pleasures or gains. Jesus' call to discipleship is not about superficial success but about a deep, transformative commitment to His cause. This commitment requires a willingness to engage in spiritual warfare, to fight against the forces of darkness, and to live with an eternal perspective. The promise of eternal rewards is a powerful motivator for those who choose to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. [56:07]

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."

Reflection: How does the promise of eternal rewards motivate you to live for Jesus today? What is one way you can seek to please Him more in your daily life?

Sermon Summary

In Matthew 16:21, Jesus begins to reveal to His disciples the path He must take, a journey to Jerusalem where He will suffer, die, and rise again. This journey is not just a physical one but a spiritual march into a war that began at Calvary and continues through the ages. Jesus calls His followers to join Him, to turn away from the world's path and follow Him into His eternal kingdom. This call requires a complete turnaround, a 180-degree shift in direction, symbolizing a life of self-denial and cross-bearing.

Jesus' recruitment drive is not unlike a military campaign, seeking those who are willing to forsake all for a cause greater than themselves. He is not looking for those seeking personal glory or unwilling to obey His commands. Instead, He seeks soldiers of the Cross, those who will lay down their lives for His cause. The journey through Galilee and Samaria is filled with encounters that illustrate the kind of followers Jesus seeks—those who recognize their need for Him and are willing to follow Him wholeheartedly.

The story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19 exemplifies the challenge of true discipleship. Despite his moral life and sincere inquiry about eternal life, the young man is unwilling to part with his wealth, revealing a heart divided by worldly attachments. Jesus' response highlights the necessity of undivided loyalty and willingness to sacrifice for the kingdom. The call to follow Jesus is not about superficial success but about a deep, transformative commitment to His cause.

Jesus' kingdom is built on an authority structure where obedience is paramount. Faith in Christ cannot be separated from obedience to Him. The call to discipleship is a call to sacrifice, to fight the good fight, and to live for a cause greater than oneself. This is not a call for the faint-hearted but for those willing to engage in spiritual warfare, to fight against the forces of darkness, and to live with an eternal perspective.

Key Takeaways

1. The Call to Follow Jesus: Following Jesus requires a complete turnaround from the world's path, symbolizing a life of self-denial and cross-bearing. This journey is not just physical but spiritual, calling us to join Him in His eternal kingdom. [02:45]
2. True Discipleship: The story of the rich young ruler highlights the challenge of true discipleship, which requires undivided loyalty and willingness to sacrifice worldly attachments for the kingdom. [22:28]
3. Obedience and Authority: Jesus' kingdom is built on an authority structure where obedience is paramount. Faith in Christ cannot be separated from obedience to Him, and this obedience is essential for being part of His army. [28:41]
4. The Cost of Discipleship: Discipleship involves sacrifice and a willingness to fight the good fight. It is a call to engage in spiritual warfare and live for a cause greater than oneself, with an eternal perspective. [38:12]
5. Eternal Rewards: The sacrifices made for Christ are not in vain. There are eternal rewards for those who follow Him wholeheartedly, and these rewards far outweigh any temporary pleasures or gains. [56:07]
** [56:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:26] - Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem
[01:22] - The March into Spiritual War
[02:05] - The Call to Follow
[03:12] - Denying Self and Bearing the Cross
[04:26] - Modern-Day Recruitment Analogy
[06:22] - Soldiers of the Cross
[08:55] - Encounters on the Journey
[10:22] - The Blind Man's Determination
[11:31] - Zacchaeus' Instant Response
[14:31] - The Rich Young Ruler
[18:51] - The Call to Obedience
[22:28] - Sacrifice and Eternal Life
[28:24] - Willingness to Obey and Sacrifice
[38:12] - Fighting the Good Fight
[56:07] - Eternal Rewards and Conclusion

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 16:21-24
- Matthew 19:16-22
- 2 Timothy 2:3-4

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Observation Questions:

In Matthew 16:21, what significant events does Jesus begin to reveal to His disciples about His journey to Jerusalem? How does this set the stage for His call to discipleship? [00:26]
What does Jesus mean when He says, "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me"? How does this relate to the concept of a 180-degree turnaround? [03:12]
How does the story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19 illustrate the challenge of true discipleship? What was the young man's response to Jesus' call? [22:28]
According to 2 Timothy 2:3-4, what is expected of a soldier of Christ, and how does this relate to the sermon’s theme of spiritual warfare? [43:06]

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Interpretation Questions:

What does it mean to "deny oneself" and "take up one's cross" in the context of following Jesus? How might this look in a modern-day setting? [02:05]
Why do you think Jesus used the analogy of a military campaign to describe His call to discipleship? How does this analogy help us understand the seriousness of the commitment required? [06:22]
In the story of the rich young ruler, what does Jesus' challenge to sell all possessions reveal about the nature of true discipleship and the obstacles that can hinder it? [22:28]
How does the concept of obedience to Christ's authority structure challenge contemporary views of independence and self-rule? [28:41]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you need to make a 180-degree turnaround to follow Jesus more closely? What steps can you take this week to begin that process? [02:45]
Consider the story of the rich young ruler. Are there any "worldly attachments" in your life that might be hindering your full commitment to Christ? How can you address these attachments? [22:28]
Jesus calls His followers to engage in spiritual warfare. What are some practical ways you can "fight the good fight" in your daily life? [38:12]
Obedience is a key theme in the sermon. How can you cultivate a heart of obedience to Christ in both small and significant areas of your life? [28:41]
The sermon emphasizes the eternal rewards for those who follow Christ wholeheartedly. How does this perspective influence your current priorities and decisions? [56:07]
Reflect on the analogy of being a soldier of Christ. What does it mean for you personally to be enlisted in His army, and how can you live out this calling in your community? [43:06]
Identify one specific area in your life where you feel called to sacrifice for the sake of the kingdom. What practical steps can you take to make this sacrifice? [34:33]

Sermon Clips

2,000 years ago Jesus began this march into war and ever since that time millions of people have forsaken their own paths, their own will, their own desires and have fallen in line behind him as he continues his march toward his eternal kingdom. [00:01:25]

If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me, for whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. [00:03:16]

Jesus sees prophetically a war is looming in the spiritual Kingdom, the spiritual realm, and he needs some qualified soldiers. He was looking for soldiers of the Cross who would be willing to lay it all on the line and fight courageously for him. [00:06:36]

The wonderful thing about being in the army of the Lord is that you are absolutely guaranteed success. What an awesome thing, absolutely guaranteed. If you will just do what you're told to do by your commander, you're gonna have all the firepower you need. [00:07:55]

Jesus said to him, if you wish, if it is your will to be complete, and in the word complete here, perfection, whatever your translation is, it's referring to an Old Testament concept of following God with an undivided loyalty and a wholeness of heart. [00:21:49]

You cannot separate faith in Christ from obedience to Christ. You can try, you can concoct your own version of the gospel or whatever and just slap the word term grace on it and just, you know, somehow convince yourself that everything's gonna be fine. [00:28:37]

Jesus' entire kingdom is built on an authority structure, and Jesus is the commander in chief, and you know what? He has the right to tell you what to do. He has the right to tell you what to do with your life. [00:30:14]

Jesus is looking for soldiers who are willing to pay the price, who are willing to fight with all their hearts, and no matter what the cost. You know, again, it's such an awesome thing. I mean, going to war means the possibility of winning terrific victories for the Lord. [00:38:12]

We have all eternity to celebrate our victories won for Christ, but just a few short hours to win them. Know that. I mean, what an awesome thing. Compare your little 70 years, 50 years on this earth, you know, how much time you have left. [00:38:59]

If you're gonna be in the army of the Lord, you got to be willing to fight. It's no place for wimps. It's no place for cowards. It's no place for softies. And I'm not talking about just men. You women back there, are you fighters? [00:49:58]

When someone enlists in Jesus' army with the right spirit, suddenly his eyes are open to the war that he's in. He sees the battle lines between right and wrong, light and darkness, evil and righteousness. [00:50:48]

There has been a tremendous shift over the years from Theo-centric to man-central. We have gotten it all backwards, and we're convincing ourselves because everyone else thinks this way, therefore it must be right, but it's not right. [00:53:48]

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