The Cost and Nature of True Discipleship

Summary

This morning, we reflected on the true cost and nature of following Jesus, drawing from three encounters in Matthew’s Gospel. The first two individuals who approached Jesus each demonstrated a faulty understanding of discipleship. The scribe, confident in his own decision and ability, declared he would follow Jesus anywhere, but Jesus challenged him with the reality that discipleship is not about personal initiative or comfort—it is a call to embrace discomfort, loss, and even suffering. The second man, on the other hand, wanted to follow Jesus but only after fulfilling his family obligations. Jesus’ response, though jarring, revealed that nothing—not even the most cherished relationships or responsibilities—can take precedence over Him. True discipleship demands that Christ comes first, above all else.

We then turned to the disciples themselves, who, after actually following Jesus into the boat, found themselves in a life-threatening storm. Their fear and desperation exposed the feebleness of their faith. Yet, in their weakness, they did the right thing: they cried out to Jesus. This episode teaches that faith is not about its strength or our self-reliance, but about its object. The disciples’ fear was rooted in misplaced trust in themselves, but when they turned to Jesus, they witnessed His power and authority over creation. The storms of life are not evidence of God’s absence, but opportunities for our faith to be tested, refined, and founded more deeply on Christ.

Ultimately, the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus makes every sacrifice worthwhile. He is not merely a wise teacher or a moral example, but the Son of God who came to save, to love, and to give us a hope that cannot be shaken. Even when our faith feels feeble, if it is placed in Him, it is enough. The journey of discipleship is costly, but the treasure of Christ is greater than anything we might lose.

Key Takeaways

- Discipleship is not about our initiative or comfort, but about following Jesus wherever He leads—even into discomfort, loss, or suffering. The call to follow Christ is a call to relinquish our expectations of ease and to embrace the reality that the path may lead to the cross. Only those willing to bear this cost can truly be His disciples. [52:14]

- Nothing can come before Christ—not even the most important relationships or responsibilities. When we say, “Let me first…” we reveal what truly holds first place in our hearts. Jesus demands to be our ultimate priority, and anything less is a faulty faith that will not endure when tested. [01:01:42]

- The storms of life are not signs of God’s absence, but are divinely appointed opportunities for our faith to be tested and refined. It is in the storm that our self-reliance is stripped away, exposing the true foundation of our trust. God uses these trials to strengthen us and teach us to depend on Him alone. [01:07:43]

- Fear and anxiety often reveal that our faith is misplaced—rooted in ourselves or our circumstances rather than in Christ. When our faith is founded on Jesus, who has authority over all things, we can experience peace even in chaos. The quality and security of our faith depend not on its strength, but on the One in whom it rests. [01:13:14]

- Even feeble faith, if placed in the right object—Jesus—is enough. It is not the strength of our faith that saves, but the strength of the One we trust. In our weakness, we are invited to cry out, “I believe; help my unbelief,” knowing that Christ is faithful to hold us fast and bring us through every storm. [01:15:27]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[02:00] - Reflections on Persecuted Churches
[04:10] - The Cost of Following Jesus
[06:25] - Two Examples of Faulty Faith
[09:00] - The Scribe: Promising Too Much
[13:00] - Jesus’ Challenge: Discomfort and Suffering
[16:00] - The Second Man: Promising Too Little
[20:00] - Jesus’ Radical Call to Prioritize Him
[24:00] - The Surpassing Worth of Christ
[27:00] - The Disciples’ Feeble Faith in the Storm
[31:00] - Faith Tested and Refined in Trials
[34:00] - The Object of Our Faith
[37:00] - Encouragement for the Weak and Weary
[40:00] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Cost and Nature of Following Jesus

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### Bible Reading

- Matthew 8:18-27
(The encounters with the scribe and the disciple, and Jesus calming the storm)

- Luke 14:25-27
(“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.”)

- Philippians 3:7-8
(“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”)

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### Observation Questions

1. In Matthew 8:19-20, what does Jesus mean when he says, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head”? What is he communicating to the scribe who wants to follow him?
[[50:12]]

2. How does Jesus respond to the second man who wants to first “go and bury my father”? What does his answer reveal about the priorities of discipleship?
[[56:16]]

3. When the disciples are caught in the storm (Matthew 8:23-27), what is their reaction, and how does Jesus address their fear?
[[01:04:14]]

4. According to the sermon, what is the difference between “faulty faith” and “feeble faith”?
[[01:04:14]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus challenge the scribe’s bold declaration to follow him “wherever you go”? What does this reveal about the dangers of self-confidence in our spiritual journey?
[[50:12]]

2. Jesus’ response to the man who wants to bury his father seems harsh. What does this teach about the cost of discipleship and the place of even good things (like family) in relation to following Christ?
[[59:38]]

3. The disciples followed Jesus into the boat and still ended up in a storm. What does this suggest about the relationship between obedience to Jesus and experiencing trials?
[[01:06:59]]

4. The sermon says, “It is not the strength of our faith that saves, but the strength of the One we trust.” How does this truth change the way we view our own weaknesses and doubts?
[[01:15:27]]

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### Application Questions

1. The scribe was eager to follow Jesus but didn’t count the cost. Are there areas in your life where you have made bold spiritual commitments without considering the sacrifices involved? How can you prepare your heart for the discomfort or loss that may come with following Jesus?
[[52:14]]

2. The second man wanted to follow Jesus, but only after taking care of other priorities. What are some “firsts” in your life that tend to come before Christ? How can you practically reorder your priorities so that Jesus is truly first?
[[01:01:42]]

3. When you face storms or trials, do you tend to rely on your own abilities first, or do you turn to Jesus? Can you share a recent situation where your self-reliance was exposed? What would it look like to cry out to Jesus sooner?
[[01:07:43]]

4. The sermon mentions that fear and anxiety often reveal misplaced faith. What are some specific fears or anxieties you are currently facing? What would it look like to shift your trust from yourself or your circumstances to Jesus in those areas?
[[01:13:14]]

5. The disciples’ faith was weak, but they still turned to Jesus in desperation. Is there an area of your life where you feel your faith is “feeble”? How can you bring that weakness honestly to Jesus this week?
[[01:15:27]]

6. The surpassing worth of knowing Christ is described as making every sacrifice worthwhile. What is one thing you are afraid to lose for the sake of following Jesus? How does the promise of Christ’s surpassing worth encourage you to let go?
[[01:03:33]]

7. The sermon says that the storms of life are not evidence of God’s absence, but opportunities for faith to be tested and refined. Looking back, can you identify a “storm” that God used to strengthen your faith? How did your understanding of Jesus change through that experience?
[[01:07:43]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray, asking God to help them count the cost, put Christ first, trust Him in their weakness, and find peace in His surpassing worth.

Devotional

Day 1: The Cost of Following Jesus

To follow Jesus is to embrace a path marked by discomfort, difficulty, and even suffering. Jesus warns that discipleship is not about personal gain or comfort, but about a willingness to go wherever He leads—even if it means giving up the security and ease that others enjoy. The call is not for fair-weather followers, but for those prepared to bear the cross, understanding that the journey may lead to rejection, hardship, or even death. Are you willing to pay the price, or are you only willing to follow when it is convenient? [52:14]

Matthew 8:19-20 (ESV)
And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

Reflection: What is one comfort or security you are holding onto that might keep you from fully following Jesus, and what would it look like to surrender it to Him today?


Day 2: Jesus Must Come First—Above All Else

True discipleship means placing Jesus above every other priority, even the most cherished relationships and responsibilities. While family, career, and personal ambitions are good, Jesus calls us to a radical commitment where nothing comes before Him. He challenges us to examine our hearts for any “firsts” that take precedence over Him, reminding us that unless we are willing to let go of everything—even the best things—we are not ready to be His disciples. [01:01:42]

Matthew 8:21-22 (ESV)
Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”

Reflection: What is one “first” in your life that you tend to put before Jesus, and how can you intentionally put Him first in that area this week?


Day 3: The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ

The reason we are called to such costly discipleship is because Jesus is of surpassing worth—He is not just a wise teacher, but the Son of God who came to save, love, and make us precious by His own blood. When we truly know Him, we find a hope, joy, and purpose that far outweighs anything we might lose for His sake. The more we know Jesus, the more we realize that losing everything is worth it if it means gaining Him, echoing Paul’s declaration that everything else is loss compared to knowing Christ. [01:03:33]

Philippians 3:7-8 (ESV)
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced the worth of knowing Jesus, and how might you seek to know Him more deeply today?


Day 4: Faith Is Strengthened Through Testing

Following Jesus often leads us straight into storms—trials and difficulties that reveal the true nature of our faith. It is in these moments of fear and helplessness that we discover how much we have relied on ourselves rather than on Christ. Yet, these tests are not meant to destroy us, but to refine and strengthen our faith, teaching us to trust in the only One who can truly save. Do not fear the storm; instead, see it as God’s way of drawing you closer and preparing you for greater trust in Him. [01:07:43]

1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV)
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

Reflection: Think of a current or recent trial—how might God be using it to strengthen your faith and teach you to rely more fully on Him?


Day 5: The Object of Our Faith Matters Most

It is not the strength of your faith that saves you, but the One in whom your faith is placed. Even feeble, trembling faith is enough if it is founded on Jesus, the One who commands the wind and the waves. When fear and anxiety rise, it is often a sign that our trust has shifted to ourselves or our circumstances. But when our faith is anchored in Christ, we find a peace that surpasses understanding, knowing that He is trustworthy and able to care for us no matter what comes. [01:15:27]

Mark 9:24 (ESV)
Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

Reflection: When you feel weak or anxious, what would it look like to honestly bring your feeble faith to Jesus and ask Him to help your unbelief today?

Quotes

It's easy to say, I will follow you, Jesus, but to actually follow me is to go down the most difficult path. My friends, Jesus does not want shallow, fair -weathered Christians. He does not want fair -weathered disciples. If you believe that following Jesus should be an easy and comfortable kind of road, you are following the wrong teacher. I would advise you to look elsewhere. [00:52:20] (24 seconds) Edit Clip

To follow Jesus is to go where he goes, and need I remind us, he ended up on a cross. Of all his disciples, mine is Judas, all but one end up murdered for their faith. My friends, do we understand the cost of following Jesus? [00:52:44] (18 seconds) Edit Clip

What if it would cost you your job? All right, if you were like John's brother and in a country where following Christ would cost you your reputation, your social status, your family, cost you your children, romance, what if it would cost you your life? And they are all good things. And yet Jesus says, there's nothing that comes before me. [00:59:35] (26 seconds) Edit Clip

And in that moment we can say with the Apostle Paul in Philippians chapter three, indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. My friends, if you're wondering why it's worth it is because there's a surpassing worth. We're not fools. Actually, we're a little bit foolish. But we want the best. We want the greatest thing, the greatest treasure. Those treasures are not first because there's a better first. There's a surpassing worth and that comes from knowing our God. [01:03:33] (31 seconds) Edit Clip

See, a faith that is repeatedly tested and put through the fire is refined. It's strengthened over time. It's a faith that has been tested and is found to be true. And it actually grows in that time. It's able to withstand greater and greater waves. Peace. [01:08:38] (15 seconds) Edit Clip

We know who he is. He's no mere mortal. He's no mere teacher. He's no mere wise man. We know that our faith is founded upon the holy God. Upon the one who speaks and calms the seas. He's the one who made the heavens and the earth. The one who's able to conquer sin and death. My friends, if this man is taking care of me, what do I have to fear? What do I have to be anxious about? [01:13:14] (28 seconds) Edit Clip

Keller says it this way. It's not the strength of your faith, but the object of your faith that actually saves you. Strong faith in a weak branch is fatally inferior to a weak faith in a strong branch. Oh, it's not about you, and that is a wonderful thing. If your faith is founded upon the right man, you will be fine. You'll survive. He'll take care of you. [01:15:31] (29 seconds) Edit Clip