The Cost and Reward of Following Jesus
Summary
### Summary
It is a joy to be at Granville Chapel and share the Word of God with such a loving community. Today, we explored the cost of following Jesus through the lens of the first disciples—Peter, Andrew, James, and John. These men left everything behind to follow Jesus, including their livelihoods, comfort, and social recognition. Their decision to follow Jesus was not made lightly; it came with significant sacrifices. Jesus called them in a way they could understand, using their language and context as fishermen, to become "fishers of men." This calling was financially costly, socially scandalous, and required them to step out of their comfort zones.
The transformation these men underwent was profound. They went from being simple fishermen to becoming key figures in the early Christian church. Their lives were marked by mistakes and fear, but also by reconciliation and growth. Peter became a leader in early Christianity, Andrew preached as far as Greece and Russia, James led the church in Jerusalem, and John authored significant portions of the New Testament. Their willingness to follow Jesus led to unimaginable rewards, both in their personal transformation and in the impact they had on the world.
Following Jesus today still requires us to consider the cost. It may involve financial sacrifices, giving up comfort, and even losing social recognition. However, the reward is a transformed life that bears fruit for the Kingdom of God. Jesus is deeply committed to our transformation, and He sees us not just as we are, but as who we can become. He calls us to a life of growth, learning, and bearing fruit, and He provides the Holy Spirit and a community of faith to support us in this journey.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Cost of Following Jesus: Following Jesus requires significant sacrifices, including financial costs, comfort, and social recognition. The first disciples left their livelihoods and families to follow Him, demonstrating that true discipleship often involves giving up what is most familiar and secure. This is a call to evaluate what we are willing to sacrifice to follow Jesus fully. [04:55]
2. Transformation Through Discipleship: The journey of following Jesus transforms us from simple, ordinary people into mature disciples who bear fruit. The first disciples made many mistakes, but through their relationship with Jesus, they grew into key figures in the early church. This transformation is a testament to the power of Jesus to change lives profoundly. [19:56]
3. Jesus Meets Us Where We Are: Jesus called the first disciples using language and concepts they understood, such as fishing. This shows that Jesus meets us where we are and uses our current context to teach us and guide us into His purposes. He begins with our familiar experiences and transforms them into opportunities for Kingdom work. [06:09]
4. The Role of Community and Generosity: The generosity of the Christian community plays a crucial role in supporting and nurturing disciples. The example of Granville Chapel's generosity in providing housing and support highlights how the church can be a tangible expression of God's love and provision, enabling individuals to grow in their faith and service. [12:41]
5. The Eternal Reward: Despite the high cost of following Jesus, the eternal reward is beyond our imagination. The first disciples' lives were profoundly changed, and they became beacons of light for millions. Their stories remind us that the ultimate gain in following Jesus is not material but spiritual and eternal, culminating in a deep, abiding relationship with Christ. [23:51]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:07] - Cultural Clashes and Unexpected Costs
[01:55] - The Call of the First Disciples
[02:56] - Jesus' Message of Repentance
[03:52] - Leaving Everything to Follow Jesus
[04:55] - The Cost of Discipleship
[06:09] - Jesus Meets Us Where We Are
[07:18] - Financial and Social Costs
[08:35] - Facing Social Scandal
[09:56] - Considering the Cost Today
[11:21] - Misconceptions About Giving
[12:41] - The Role of Community and Generosity
[13:53] - Giving Up Comfort
[14:55] - Overcoming Discomfort in Evangelism
[16:02] - Losing Social Status
[17:00] - A Lawyer's Transformation
[19:56] - The Disciples' Transformation
[22:17] - The Impact of the Disciples
[23:51] - The Eternal Reward
[24:48] - Miraculous Fishing as a Parable
[25:57] - Jesus' Vision for Our Transformation
[26:57] - God's Commitment to Our Growth
[27:39] - Reflective Questions for the Week
[29:18] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 4:18-22 (NIV)
> "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will send you out to fish for people.' At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him."
2. Luke 5:1-11 (NIV)
> "One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, 'Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.' Simon answered, 'Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.' When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, 'Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!' For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, 'Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.' So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him."
#### Observation Questions
1. What were Peter, Andrew, James, and John doing when Jesus called them to follow Him? (Matthew 4:18-22)
2. How did the first disciples respond to Jesus' call to follow Him? (Matthew 4:20, 22)
3. What was the miraculous event that occurred when Jesus instructed Simon Peter to let down the nets? (Luke 5:6-7)
4. According to the sermon, what were some of the costs the first disciples faced when they decided to follow Jesus? [04:55]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus used the metaphor of fishing when calling Peter, Andrew, James, and John? How did this relate to their current occupation? [06:09]
2. What does the transformation of the first disciples from fishermen to key figures in the early church tell us about the power of Jesus' call and discipleship? [19:56]
3. How does the story of the miraculous catch of fish in Luke 5 serve as a parable for the disciples' future ministry? [24:48]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that following Jesus today might still require significant sacrifices, similar to those made by the first disciples? [09:56]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. What are some comforts or securities you might need to give up to follow Jesus more fully? [04:55]
2. Have you experienced a moment where Jesus met you in your current context, similar to how He met the disciples as fishermen? How did that impact your faith journey? [06:09]
3. The sermon mentioned the role of community and generosity in supporting discipleship. How can you contribute to your faith community in a way that supports others in their journey? [12:41]
4. Think about a time when you faced discomfort or social scandal because of your faith. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from that experience? [08:35]
5. The first disciples were transformed profoundly through their relationship with Jesus. In what areas of your life do you feel Jesus is calling you to grow and transform? [19:56]
6. The sermon highlighted the eternal reward of following Jesus. How does the promise of eternal life and a deep relationship with Christ motivate you in your daily walk? [23:51]
7. Identify one specific way you can step out of your comfort zone this week to follow Jesus more closely. What practical steps will you take to make this happen? [13:53]
Devotional
Day 1: The Cost of Following Jesus
Following Jesus requires significant sacrifices, including financial costs, comfort, and social recognition. The first disciples left their livelihoods and families to follow Him, demonstrating that true discipleship often involves giving up what is most familiar and secure. This is a call to evaluate what we are willing to sacrifice to follow Jesus fully. [04:55]
Jesus' call to His first disciples was radical and life-changing. Peter, Andrew, James, and John left their fishing nets, their source of income, and their families to follow Jesus. This decision was not made lightly; it came with significant sacrifices. They gave up their financial security, their comfort, and their social standing to follow a teacher who promised them a different kind of reward. This kind of discipleship is not just a historical account but a present-day challenge for all who choose to follow Jesus. It calls us to examine our own lives and consider what we are willing to give up to follow Him fully.
In today's world, following Jesus might mean making financial sacrifices, stepping out of our comfort zones, or even losing social recognition. It might involve giving up a lucrative career, moving to a different place, or standing up for our faith in a society that may not always understand or accept it. The cost of discipleship is high, but the reward is a transformed life that bears fruit for the Kingdom of God. Jesus sees us not just as we are, but as who we can become, and He calls us to a life of growth, learning, and bearing fruit.
Luke 14:33 (ESV): "So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 2: Transformation Through Discipleship
The journey of following Jesus transforms us from simple, ordinary people into mature disciples who bear fruit. The first disciples made many mistakes, but through their relationship with Jesus, they grew into key figures in the early church. This transformation is a testament to the power of Jesus to change lives profoundly. [19:56]
The transformation of the first disciples is a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of following Jesus. Peter, Andrew, James, and John were simple fishermen, but their lives were profoundly changed through their relationship with Jesus. They made many mistakes along the way, but Jesus' patience, teaching, and love helped them grow into mature disciples who played crucial roles in the early Christian church. Peter became a leader in early Christianity, Andrew preached as far as Greece and Russia, James led the church in Jerusalem, and John authored significant portions of the New Testament.
This transformation is not just a historical account but a promise for all who choose to follow Jesus. No matter how ordinary or flawed we may feel, Jesus sees our potential and is committed to our growth. He calls us to a life of learning, growth, and bearing fruit for His Kingdom. Through our relationship with Him, we can experience profound personal transformation and make a significant impact on the world around us.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: Think of a recent mistake or failure in your life. How can you invite Jesus into that situation to help you grow and transform through it?
Day 3: Jesus Meets Us Where We Are
Jesus called the first disciples using language and concepts they understood, such as fishing. This shows that Jesus meets us where we are and uses our current context to teach us and guide us into His purposes. He begins with our familiar experiences and transforms them into opportunities for Kingdom work. [06:09]
Jesus' call to the first disciples was deeply personal and contextual. He used language and concepts they understood, such as fishing, to invite them into a new kind of work—becoming "fishers of men." This approach shows that Jesus meets us where we are, using our current context and experiences to teach us and guide us into His purposes. He doesn't expect us to have everything figured out before we follow Him; instead, He begins with what is familiar to us and transforms it into opportunities for Kingdom work.
This principle is still true today. Jesus meets us in our everyday lives, using our unique skills, experiences, and contexts to call us into His service. Whether we are teachers, engineers, artists, or stay-at-home parents, Jesus can use our current circumstances to further His Kingdom. He sees our potential and invites us to join Him in His work, transforming our ordinary experiences into extraordinary opportunities for growth and service.
1 Corinthians 9:22 (ESV): "To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some."
Reflection: Reflect on your current job or daily activities. How might Jesus be calling you to use your unique context and skills for His Kingdom work?
Day 4: The Role of Community and Generosity
The generosity of the Christian community plays a crucial role in supporting and nurturing disciples. The example of Granville Chapel's generosity in providing housing and support highlights how the church can be a tangible expression of God's love and provision, enabling individuals to grow in their faith and service. [12:41]
The role of community and generosity in the life of a disciple cannot be overstated. The Christian community is called to be a tangible expression of God's love and provision, supporting and nurturing one another in our faith journeys. The example of Granville Chapel's generosity in providing housing and support is a powerful illustration of this principle. By meeting practical needs and offering a supportive environment, the church enables individuals to grow in their faith and service.
Generosity is not just about financial giving; it also includes giving of our time, talents, and resources to support others. When we practice generosity, we reflect God's love and care for His people. The early church modeled this kind of community, sharing their possessions and supporting one another so that no one was in need. This kind of radical generosity and community support is still needed today, as it helps create an environment where individuals can thrive and grow in their faith.
Acts 4:32-35 (ESV): "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need."
Reflection: Think of a way you can practice generosity this week, whether through giving your time, talents, or resources. How can you be a tangible expression of God's love and provision to someone in your community?
Day 5: The Eternal Reward
Despite the high cost of following Jesus, the eternal reward is beyond our imagination. The first disciples' lives were profoundly changed, and they became beacons of light for millions. Their stories remind us that the ultimate gain in following Jesus is not material but spiritual and eternal, culminating in a deep, abiding relationship with Christ. [23:51]
The lives of the first disciples were profoundly changed by their decision to follow Jesus. Despite the significant sacrifices they made, the rewards they received were beyond their imagination. They became key figures in the early Christian church, spreading the message of Jesus and impacting millions of lives. Their stories remind us that the ultimate gain in following Jesus is not material but spiritual and eternal. The reward is a deep, abiding relationship with Christ and the opportunity to be part of His Kingdom work.
The eternal reward of following Jesus is not just about what we receive in the afterlife but also about the transformation and growth we experience in this life. As we follow Jesus, we become more like Him, bearing fruit for His Kingdom and experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from living in alignment with His purposes. The sacrifices we make are worth it because the reward is a transformed life and a deep, abiding relationship with Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: Reflect on the eternal rewards of following Jesus. How does the promise of a deep, abiding relationship with Christ and the opportunity to be part of His Kingdom work motivate you to make sacrifices in your daily life?
Quotes
1. "Leaving everything to follow Jesus costs money, comfort, and recognition for those men. They left everything to follow Jesus. They gave up their money, their comfort, and their recognition. One commentator of the Bible called Craig Keener, he says that you can see in here four facts happening in this narrative. One is that Jesus is beginning to call a core group of disciples to walk close to him." [04:55] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The second fact is that Jesus is calling those men and teaching them in terms that they were able to understand. The way that he calls them, he uses their language. You will drop your net and I will teach you to fish for men. What a very interesting use of words from Jesus. To say that they were able to learn from him. They will learn from Jesus to share the gospel. To share his word. To witness his presence in the world. But he begins with them where they are at." [06:09] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "For those men, following a master like Jesus was the opportunity to live God's purpose. They had no idea where all this would lead. But they faced the fear of losing everything in hope of being faithful to God. They were putting themselves in a position where the society could look at them and say, you're not responsible. You are not fulfilling your duties. This is a scandal. This is outrageous. And they still left everything to follow Jesus." [08:35] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Truly following Jesus for us today still costs money, comfort, and recognition. Still costs us to give up on something. And it is important for us to ponder, what is the cost of being a disciple of Jesus? What is the cost of following Jesus today? And maybe you started following Jesus without considering this. In the middle of the road, now you can see a little bit more of how much does it cost to follow Jesus." [09:56] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are challenged in what we do and how we live our lives and how we spend our money. We are challenged on how we manage our finances and what we prioritize in our lives. And it's challenging to think about it because money has such a big role in our world, in our life, in our society. But still, it's at the heart of our lives where Jesus wants us. It's give everything to him." [11:21] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Jesus, when he calls us, he calls us to a place of discomfort. But this is for us to grow and learn. And following Jesus, we learn. And this might mean that we're giving up our recognition. Or maybe our social status. Because we are called to invest in something that the world does not recognize as success." [16:02] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "God transforms simple men into mature people who bear fruit. Who were those men? Peter, Andrew, James, and John. Their lives were deeply transformed by encountering Jesus. They had three years as disciples walking closely to Jesus. They made a number of mistakes during that time. And when Jesus was crucified, only John, was close to him. The other ones were afraid. But still, when Jesus resurrected, he met them, reconciled with them, and they became mature disciples." [19:56] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Jesus is the only one who can make sinners become holy, brutes to become wise, weak people to become strong. God transforms us and wants to transform us in mature people who bear fruit. When we consider the price of following Jesus, we can also consider what Jesus wants us to become and how unimaginable this is. Because usually we can see who we are right now. It's hard for us to see ahead of time." [25:57] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "God is deeply invested in who you will become in the future. He is concerned. He is concerned in changing you, transforming you, and making you bear fruit, many fruit. This is a work of God in us. And I would like to end this moment of preaching with three questions for you so that you can think by the day, by the week, and pray about it." [26:57] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I would like to reassure you, God is deeply invested in transforming you in a mature disciple and make you bear fruit. Either by sharing the gospel with someone, by teaching someone, by having a heart change that you can witness to others, by being part of the reconciliation in this city and in the world." [29:18] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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