The Cost of Following Jesus

Everything worthwhile comes at a cost, including following Jesus. Sometimes Christians talk as if Christianity is always happy and joyful. As if following Jesus is the easiest thing in the world.

Do you know who didn’t talk like that? Jesus! Jesus told his followers: “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:37-39).

Does that sound easy? No way! Jesus tells us that if we follow him, we should expect to have people we love like parents or children push us away because of our faith. If we follow Jesus, we should expect to carry a cross, like missed opportunities and harsh words for our faith. If we follow Jesus, we might even lose our lives for Jesus’ sake. That’s quite a cost to following Jesus.

So why would anyone follow Jesus? Because Jesus did all of that for you! Jesus was betrayed by his closest friends for you, so you can know that God will never leave you. Jesus gave up his life on the cross for your sins, so that you can know that you are forgiven and saved. 

Dear friend, do you want life? Follow Jesus. It’s worth it!

Pastor Nathan