It Is Going To Cost You Something

It is going to cost something.

Luke 9:57-62

Jesus and the disciples have left Samaria in route to Jerusalem.

2 Men sought to follow Jesus of their own accord.

1 Man was asked to Jesus to follow him.

Jesus does not candy coat the calling of the ministry. He warns us up front that there is a dear price involved in becoming a full-fledged disciple.

There are times when an individual is caught up in a moment of excitement and sensation. Without considering the commitment, one may endeavor to do something rashly and not be ready to accept the consecuences.

I. He Who Decides to Follow Jesus Has No Earthly Security (vs. 57,58)

This is not to say that the christian has no security; yea he has more security than any unbeliever. Our security is not the promise of a nice house and a fine car. There is no promise of a retirement check after a certain number of years of dedicated service.

Mark 8:35

35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. (KJV)

35 Porque el que quisiere salvar su vida, la perderá; y el que perdiere su vida por causa de mí y del evangelio, éste la salvará. (RVG04)

We are promised the continual presence of God

Heb. 13:5

5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (KJV)

5 Sean vuestras costumbres sin avaricia; contentos con lo que tenéis; porque Él dijo: No te dejaré ni te desampararé. (RVG04)

The Lord is keeping very careful records.

2 Tim. 1:12

12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. {believed: or, trusted} (KJV)

12 Por cuya causa asimismo padezco estas cosas; mas no me avergüenzo; porque yo sé a quien he creído, y estoy seguro que es poderoso para guardar mi depósito para aquel día. (RVG04)

It is amazing to read about martyrs of the faith, who do not consider the threats and persecutions of life as deterrents to their pursuit of christianity.

You really cannot threaten a dead person. If we truly have crucified ourselves unto Christ, then the securities of life here on earth have no real hold on us.

II.He Who Decides to Follow Jesus Has No Earthly Ties (vs. 59,60)

In this case, Jesus calls unto a man and beckons him to follow. Right away, this fellow tries to put off the matter for something else he deems to be more important.

Jesus is not commanding this man to disrespect his earthly father, but to realize that God must come first and foremost, even above family.

The jews had the custom of burying a person and then a year later, going back and "repacking" the bones to fit in a smaller box that was fit in a slot on the tomb wall. So, in essence, this man was asking for up to a years' time before he would accept the call to preach.

Mt. 10:37

37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (KJV)

37 El que ama padre o madre más que a mí, no es digno de mí; y el que ama hijo o hija más que a mí, no es digno de mí. (RVG04)

Living for Jesus and following his calling is of the utmost importance. No other event or plan should take precedence over heeding his call.

Your career, your engagement, your education, your financial portfolio, are all of lesser importance than following Jesus. The "when" of the will of God is one of the biggest questions that one must answer.

III. He Who Decides to Follow Jesus Has No Earthly Distractions (vs. 61,62)

If you mean business about following the Lord, don't jump in and then say wait. The "but" of this man shows a little area of hesitation.

Going backward when one has already lurched forward is a bad sign. Look at some examples.

Lot's wife

Judas Iscariote

Demas

---There are no good memories of any of those characters.

Count the cost beforehand.

It most likely will cost you everything.

IV. The Cost of Not Following Jesus

Lk. 14:27

27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. (KJV)

27 Y cualquiera que no trae su cruz y viene en pos de mí, no puede ser mi discípulo. (RVG04)