Radical Discipleship: Prioritizing God Above All

Jesus calls each of us to a radical kind of discipleship, one that is not always easy to accept or understand. He uses strong language, asking us to “renounce your family” and “renounce your possessions,” and to “carry your cross.” These are not literal commands to abandon those we love or to give away everything we own, but rather a call to put God first in our lives, above all relationships and material things. The journey of following Christ is not about comfort or convenience; it is about making a conscious choice to let nothing come between us and our relationship with God.

As Jesus walked toward Jerusalem, fully aware of the suffering that awaited him, he wanted his followers to understand that discipleship comes with a cost. The “discipleship sandwich” is not an easy meal to swallow, but it is the main course for anyone who truly wants to follow Christ. We are invited to trust God deeply, especially in times of trial and suffering, knowing that he walks with us through every storm. Carrying our cross means embracing the challenges and sacrifices that come with faith, trusting that God’s presence is constant and his love unwavering.

But God does not leave us empty-handed. Just as a fast food meal often comes with unexpected extras, God fills our lives with gifts of mercy, forgiveness, love, compassion, kindness, and joy. He wipes away our sins and offers us the ultimate gift of salvation. We are not called to walk this path alone; we are given a community and the sacraments to sustain us.

This is also a time to invite others to share in this journey. The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) program is an opportunity for those seeking a spiritual home, those from other faith backgrounds, or those who have not completed their sacraments, to come closer to God and the Church. Whether you are new to the faith, returning, or simply seeking to deepen your relationship with Christ, there is a place for you. Let us be bold in inviting others, sharing God’s love, and supporting one another as we walk this path of discipleship together.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. True discipleship requires a willingness to put God above all else, even our closest relationships and possessions. This is not about rejecting those we love, but about ensuring that nothing takes precedence over our relationship with God. Such prioritization is the foundation of a life fully surrendered to Christ. [00:55]
• 2. Carrying our cross is not a one-time act, but a daily commitment to trust God through every trial and hardship. It means embracing suffering and difficulty as opportunities to grow in faith, knowing that God is present with us in every moment of pain and uncertainty. [02:30]
• 3. God’s generosity far exceeds our sacrifices. When we choose the path of discipleship, God “throws in” gifts of mercy, forgiveness, love, and joy—spiritual nourishment that sustains us on the journey. These graces are freely given, reminding us that God’s love is abundant and always available. [03:50]
• 4. The journey of faith is not meant to be walked alone. Through the sacraments and the community of the Church, we are supported, encouraged, and strengthened. Participating in programs like OCIA is a way to deepen our understanding, grow in faith, and experience the richness of Catholic life together. [05:40]
• 5. Evangelization is a call for every believer. Inviting others to encounter Christ and the sacraments is an act of love and hospitality. Whether by sharing information, extending a personal invitation, or simply being present for someone seeking faith, we become instruments of God’s welcome and grace. [08:10]
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:25] - The Discipleship Sandwich: Renounce and Carry
• [01:10] - The Cost of Following Jesus
• [02:00] - Carrying Our Cross in Daily Life
• [02:45] - Trusting God in Trials
• [03:30] - God’s Generous Extras
• [04:20] - Mercy, Forgiveness, and Joy
• [05:10] - Invitation to OCIA
• [05:55] - Who is OCIA For?
• [06:40] - The Journey of Initiation
• [07:30] - The Power of Community
• [08:10] - Evangelization and Invitation
• [08:50] - Next Steps and Closing Invitation

Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Cost and Joy of Discipleship

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Bible Reading

Luke 14:25-33 (ESV)
25 Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, 26 “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. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. 33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.”

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Observation Questions

1. What are the three main things Jesus says we must do to be his disciples in Luke 14:25-33?
2. According to the sermon, what does “renounce your family” and “renounce your possessions” really mean? [00:55]
3. What does the preacher compare the “discipleship sandwich” to, and why does he use this image? [00:25]
4. What are some of the “extras” God gives us along with the cost of discipleship, as described in the sermon? [03:50]

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Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus uses such strong language about family and possessions when talking about following him? What is he trying to get across? [00:55]
2. The preacher says carrying our cross is not a one-time act but a daily commitment. What might this look like in real life? [02:30]
3. How does the idea of “counting the cost” of discipleship challenge the way people usually think about faith and church? [01:10]
4. The sermon mentions that God’s generosity “far exceeds our sacrifices.” How does this truth affect the way someone might approach the sacrifices Jesus asks for? [03:50]

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Application Questions

1. Is there a relationship or possession in your life that sometimes takes priority over your relationship with God? What is one step you could take this week to put God first? [00:55]
2. Think about a recent trial or hardship. How did you respond? What would it look like to “carry your cross” and trust God in that situation? [02:30]
3. The preacher talks about God giving us “extras” like mercy, forgiveness, and joy. Which of these gifts do you need to receive more fully right now? How can you open yourself to it? [03:50]
4. The sermon highlights the importance of community and the sacraments. How has being part of a church community helped you in your faith journey? Is there a way you could get more involved or support someone else? [05:40]
5. The OCIA program is mentioned as a way for people to come closer to God and the Church. Do you know someone who might benefit from an invitation to OCIA or to church? What’s one practical way you could reach out to them this week? [08:10]
6. Evangelization is described as an act of love and hospitality. What holds you back from inviting others to faith or church? How can you overcome that barrier? [08:10]
7. The preacher says, “We are not called to walk this path alone.” Who is someone you can encourage or walk alongside in their faith this month? How will you do it? [05:40]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God for the courage to put Him first, the strength to carry your cross each day, and the joy to share His love with others. Invite the Holy Spirit to show you where you need to trust more deeply and who you can invite to walk this journey with you.