The Cost of Discipleship : Pastor Tony Samuels

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

As we look at what is going on in our world, we can see we are living in chaotic times. And as we look through the eyes of the Scriptures, we see we are definitely living in the last days. Something I have been observing personally is the reaction of the Church of Jesus Christ in the midst of crisis. To be honest, I’ve had a deep concern and a little frustration, because the response on the whole has not been the response that I would expect from Bible-believing people.

It has almost seemed like the Body of Christ has been split…but as I began to study, seek the Lord, and go the Word of God, I realize what I am witnessing is the difference between a follower of Jesus Christ and a true disciple of Jesus Christ. The difference lies in the commitment level. People become followers when they accept Him as their Lord and Savior, but people are not automatically disciples. The requirement for a disciple is far greater than that of a mere follower. Jesus had many followers during His time on planet earth. They followed Him because of the miracles, because of the provision, because of His Words; but when you look closely, He didn’t have many disciples. In fact, the followers praised Him at one point, then turned on Him and became the very ones that said, “Crucify Him!”

Let’s take a look at the cost of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. Luke 9:23 (AMP): And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]. 

Notice Jesus said if you want to follow me as a disciple, here are the conditions; here is the cost. He lays out some very strict conditions, such as a life of self-denial; a life of living like Jesus; a life that could possibly lead you to death. It’s easy to maintain our commitment in the good times, but our level of commitment, true faith, is really revealed in the difficult times.

Can you believe that many who started with Jesus did not continue with Him? Look at what John 6:66-67 says: From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” They walked with Him no more! The path will sometimes lead us to an intersection to reveal our commitment level. In no way am I saying that God loves a disciple above a follower, or that salvation is based on being a disciple or not. I am simply talking about the level of commitment. A true disciple has no choice; wherever the path takes them, he or she must continue with the Lord…even if it’s a path with persecution, or separation from family and friends; even when it’s not easy. The Scripture puts it better than I could ever explain it, so let me leave you with this. After reading, ask yourself: Am I willing the pay the price to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ?

Luke 14:26-28 26: When you follow me as my disciple, you must put aside your father, your mother, your wife, your sisters, your brothers—yes, you will even seem as though you hate your own life. This is the price you’ll pay to be considered one of my followers. And anyone who comes to me must be willing to share my cross and experience it as his own, or he cannot be considered to be my disciple. So don’t follow me without considering what it will cost you.

April 19th, 2020