Close Menu
Christianity News Daily | Christianity News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Christianity News Daily | Christianity News
    Subscribe
    • Daily Gospel News
    • Jesus Christ
    • About us
    • Salvation
    Christianity News Daily | Christianity News
    Home»Christianity News Daily»Being a follower of Jesus means letting go of everything.
    Christianity News Daily

    Being a follower of Jesus means letting go of everything.

    Daily Gospel NewsBy Daily Gospel News07/03/2024No Comments6 Mins Read
    Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Reddit Telegram Email
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email


    Teachings about ease, comfort, and prosperity frequently overshadow the sacrifices of discipleship in today’s church.

    The Bible paints a clear and strict picture of what it means to follow Jesus. Examining passages such as Luke 14:25–33 and Matthew 10:34–36, this essay reveals the intricate and deep requirements of discipleship.

    Luke 14:25–33: The Challenge of True Discipleship

    In Luke 14:25–33, Jesus addresses the crowds following Him and lays out the rigorous requirements for being His disciple:

    “Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them; he said: ‘If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and cannot finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’ Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he can, with ten thousand men, oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot do so, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for peace terms. In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.’”

    Jesus uses strong language here, urging His followers to “hate” their closest family members and even their own lives. This hyperbolic language underscores the level of commitment required to follow Him. The focus is prioritizing Jesus above all else, including the most cherished relationships, rather than literal hatred. The metaphor of carrying one’s cross signifies a willingness to endure suffering, shame, and even death for the sake of Christ.

    The parables of the builder and the king emphasize the importance of counting the cost before committing to discipleship. Jesus clarifies that following Him is a challenging decision.

    Matthew 10:34–36: Division as a Cost of Discipleship

    In Matthew 10:34–36, Jesus presents another stark reality of discipleship:

    “Do not suppose I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his household.’”

    Here, Jesus warns that His coming will result in division, even within families. The “sword” symbolizes conflict and division, indicating that everyone will not accept the gospel and will cause rifts among close relationships. This passage highlights the isolating and contentious nature of true discipleship, where loyalty to Christ may lead to estrangement from loved ones.

    Additional Scriptures on the Cost of Discipleship

    The theme of the high cost of following Jesus is pervasive throughout the New Testament. Here are some additional scriptures that further elucidate this demanding path:

    1. Matthew 16:24–26: “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?’”
    2. Submitting to Jesus’s lordship daily means denying oneself and putting His will above all else.
    3. Mark 10:21–22: “Jesus looked at him and loved him. ‘One thing you lack,’ he said. ‘Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor; you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ At this, the man’s face fell. He went away sad because he had great wealth.”
    4. The story of the rich young ruler illustrates the difficulty of letting go of material possessions and wealth, which can be a significant barrier to wholehearted discipleship.
    5. John 15:18–20: “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.”
    6. Jesus prepares His disciples for persecution and rejection, reminding them that being His follower means facing the same opposition He encountered.
    7. Philippians 3:7-8: “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. Moreover, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.”
    8. The Apostle Paul expresses his total abandonment of worldly achievements and possessions for the sake of knowing and gaining Christ, demonstrating the profound personal cost of discipleship.

    Modern Lukewarmness: A Departure from Biblical Discipleship

    The contemporary church often struggles with lukewarmness, spiritual indifference, and complacency, which Jesus warns against in Revelation 3:15–16.

    “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

    This lukewarmness can be attributed, in part, to a diluted gospel message that minimizes the cost of following Jesus. Instead of emphasizing self-denial, sacrifice, and the potential for suffering, some modern teachings focus on prosperity, personal fulfillment, and comfort. Such an outcome can cause a surface-level faith that causes further depth and resilience.

    To counter this trend, the church must return to biblical teachings on discipleship. Remembering that following Jesus entails a significant and frequently agonizing metamorphosis causes complete dedication, unwavering loyalty, and a readiness to endure struggle and persecution.

    Conclusion

    The cost of discipleship is a challenging reality, as outlined in scriptures such as Luke 14:25–33 and Matthew 10:34–36. It involves prioritizing Jesus, enduring hardships, and remaining resilient in difficult times. These are the expectations for his followers. By embracing these scriptural ideas, the church can transcend passivity and develop a dynamic, genuine faith that reflects the radical character of following Christ.

    Post navigation



    Source link

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleKidnapped clergy members in Nigeria face threats from Islamic terrorists.
    Next Article What does the Bible say about being born again, and can Catholics go to Heaven?
    Daily Gospel News
    • Website

    About Daily Gospel News The Daily Gospel News is more than your average Christian news outlet. Our platform provides a distinctive viewpoint on current Christian news, in-depth biblical analysis, and inspiring spiritual content. Our mission is to bring the light of the Gospel to your daily life through timely and relevant news updates, insightful commentaries, and devotionals that strengthen your faith. With a steadfast commitment to accuracy and a passion for truth, we provide a fresh Christian viewpoint on the world, ensuring you can trust the information you receive. A committed group of Christians started Daily Gospel News to educate, inspire, and captivate readers with news coverage incorporating spiritual insights. Whether you're looking for the latest headlines, scriptural reflections, or uplifting stories of faith, we aim to be the go-to platform for Christians worldwide. Our team of experienced writers and editors ensures that every piece of content is rooted in biblical truth and provides meaningful insights for your spiritual journey. We cover many topics, including church news, global Christian events, biblical teachings, and daily devotionals designed to help you grow in your relationship with God. This diverse coverage ensures you are constantly enriched and informed. Please stay connected with us and receive daily updates that will inspire and uplift you. Join our community of like-minded believers who are passionate about integrating the Gospel into every aspect of life. By joining forces, we can fortify our faith and motivate others, creating a sense of unity and community.

    Related Posts

    Christianity News Daily

    The Roman Catholic Church’s 30 Anti-Christian And Non-biblical Acts, such as the veneration of Mary and the doctrine of purgatory, Reveal its Falsehood, indicating that All Catholics are Spiritually Lost and Cannot Enter Heaven after Death.

    09/01/2024
    Christianity News Daily

    30 Abominable Acts the Catholics Practice Against God’s Will That Prove Them Antichristian

    09/01/2024
    Christianity News Daily

    The Pakistani authorities are currently making an unreasonable attempt to prohibit the organizers of the Rights March.

    09/01/2024
    Add A Comment

    Comments are closed.

    Top Posts

    The Roman Catholic Church’s 30 Anti-Christian And Non-biblical Acts, such as the veneration of Mary and the doctrine of purgatory, Reveal its Falsehood, indicating that All Catholics are Spiritually Lost and Cannot Enter Heaven after Death.

    09/01/2024

    30 Abominable Acts the Catholics Practice Against God’s Will That Prove Them Antichristian

    09/01/2024

    The Pakistani authorities are currently making an unreasonable attempt to prohibit the organizers of the Rights March.

    09/01/2024

    Hebrews 7:24–26 describes Jesus Christ as the Sole Savior and the Everlasting Great High Priest who can Save those who come to God through Him to the Utmost.

    09/01/2024

    Jaranwala, Pakistan, continues to grapple with persistent attacks, one year on.

    08/28/2024
    Categories
    • Christianity News Daily
    Most Popular

    The Roman Catholic Church’s 30 Anti-Christian And Non-biblical Acts, such as the veneration of Mary and the doctrine of purgatory, Reveal its Falsehood, indicating that All Catholics are Spiritually Lost and Cannot Enter Heaven after Death.

    09/01/2024

    What Should Christians Do Instead of Yoga? –

    05/27/2024

    Christian, wounded in the Pakistan attack, is reported to be in stable condition. –

    05/28/2024
    Our Picks

    The Roman Catholic Church’s 30 Anti-Christian And Non-biblical Acts, such as the veneration of Mary and the doctrine of purgatory, Reveal its Falsehood, indicating that All Catholics are Spiritually Lost and Cannot Enter Heaven after Death.

    09/01/2024

    30 Abominable Acts the Catholics Practice Against God’s Will That Prove Them Antichristian

    09/01/2024

    The Pakistani authorities are currently making an unreasonable attempt to prohibit the organizers of the Rights March.

    09/01/2024
    Categories
    • Christianity News Daily
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • About us
    Copyright © 2024 Dailygospelnews.com All Rights Reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.