Message Minute (The Cost of Following)
"Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me." – Matthew 10:38
Nobody leads with this part of the gospel. But Jesus did, and He did it before His disciples had any idea what a cross would mean for Him personally.
When He said those words, His followers knew exactly what crosses were. They lined the roads outside of town. They were Roman execution devices, a warning to anyone who dared defy the empire. So Jesus wasn't speaking in metaphor. He was being devastatingly clear: following Me might cost you everything.
For most people today, the cost looks more ordinary. A friendship that doesn't survive new convictions. A promotion that goes to someone more willing to cut corners. A holiday dinner that gets awkward. The loneliness of being the only person in your circle who takes this seriously.
But here's what's worth remembering: every one of those costs is temporary. Everything Jesus gives on the other side is eternal.
And consider the cost of not following Him. What is the false peace costing? What is the silence costing? What is performing for people whose approval will never fully satisfy costing? Following Jesus costs something. But not following Him always costs more.
Reflection: What is one specific cost you've been unwilling to pay in your walk with Jesus?
Prayer: Father, help me see clearly what it's costing me to stay comfortable. Give me the courage to pick up my cross today, even in one small way. Amen.
Nobody leads with this part of the gospel. But Jesus did, and He did it before His disciples had any idea what a cross would mean for Him personally.
When He said those words, His followers knew exactly what crosses were. They lined the roads outside of town. They were Roman execution devices, a warning to anyone who dared defy the empire. So Jesus wasn't speaking in metaphor. He was being devastatingly clear: following Me might cost you everything.
For most people today, the cost looks more ordinary. A friendship that doesn't survive new convictions. A promotion that goes to someone more willing to cut corners. A holiday dinner that gets awkward. The loneliness of being the only person in your circle who takes this seriously.
But here's what's worth remembering: every one of those costs is temporary. Everything Jesus gives on the other side is eternal.
And consider the cost of not following Him. What is the false peace costing? What is the silence costing? What is performing for people whose approval will never fully satisfy costing? Following Jesus costs something. But not following Him always costs more.
Reflection: What is one specific cost you've been unwilling to pay in your walk with Jesus?
Prayer: Father, help me see clearly what it's costing me to stay comfortable. Give me the courage to pick up my cross today, even in one small way. Amen.
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