The Cost and Reward of Following Jesus: Embracing Sacrifice, Embracing Life

Jesus is unafraid of telling us up front the painful cost of being a Christian. He doesn't hide the "worst" aspects of following Him, but instead boldly presents them to us. In Luke 14:26-27, Jesus says, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple." These words may seem harsh and difficult to understand, but they are an important part of understanding the true commitment required to be a disciple of Christ.

When Jesus speaks of hating our own family and even our own life, He is emphasizing the need to prioritize our love for Him above all else. This does not mean that we are to literally hate our family members or neglect our responsibilities, but rather that our love for Jesus should be so strong that our love for anything or anyone else pales in comparison. Jesus wants us to understand that following Him may come at a cost, and we must be willing to lay down our own desires and preferences for the sake of His kingdom.

Jesus also speaks of bearing our own cross and coming after Him. The cross was a symbol of suffering and death, and Jesus is telling us that being His disciple will involve sacrifice and hardship. It means being willing to endure persecution, rejection, and even physical harm for the sake of the gospel. Just as Jesus carried His own cross to Calvary, we are called to carry our cross and follow Him. This means embracing the difficulties that come with being a disciple and being willing to face whatever challenges may come our way.

But why does Jesus choose to show us the "worst" aspects of following Him? Why does He not hide these things like Satan hides his worst? Matthew Henry provides an insightful answer: "Satan shows the best, but hides the worst, because his best will not [counterbalance] his worst; but Christ’s will abundantly." Jesus wants us to have a clear understanding of what it means to follow Him. He doesn't want us to be deceived by the temporary pleasures and promises of the world, but rather to see the eternal value and rewards of being His disciple.

While the cost of following Jesus may seem high, He also promises great rewards and blessings for those who are faithful to Him. In Luke 14:14, Jesus speaks of a glorious resurrection where all the losses and sacrifices of this life will be repaid. He also assures us that He will help us endure the hardships that come with being His disciple. In Luke 22:32, Jesus tells Peter, "But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." Jesus intercedes for us and gives us the strength to persevere in our faith. He also promises that our Heavenly Father will give us the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us in our journey of discipleship (Luke 11:13).

Even if we face persecution or even death for the sake of the kingdom, Jesus assures us that not a hair of our head will perish (Luke 21:18). He is with us in every trial and tribulation, and He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). The cost may be great, but the reward is immeasurable. As the apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:18, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."

In contrast to the promises of Jesus, Satan offers fleeting pleasures and temporary gains. He shows us his best, but hides the worst. He tempts us with the allure of sin and worldly success, but fails to mention the eternal consequences of following him. Just as stolen bread may taste sweet at first, it leaves a bitter aftertaste and ultimately leads to destruction (Proverbs 20:17). Satan's promises are empty and deceptive, leading only to eternal separation from God.

The call of Jesus is not just a call to suffering and self-denial, but it is first a call to a banquet. In Luke 14:16-24, Jesus tells a parable about a man who prepared a great feast and invited many guests. However, the invited guests made excuses and declined the invitation. In response, the man sent his servant to invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame. The servant went out and brought in those who were overlooked and rejected by society. This parable illustrates that the call of Jesus is for everyone, regardless of their social status or personal circumstances. It is an invitation to come and feast at the table of grace.

Jesus invites us to partake in the abundant life that He offers. He promises forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and the gift of eternal life. He invites us to experience the joy and peace that can only be found in Him. Yes, there may be a cost to following Jesus, but it is a cost that is abundantly worth it. As the apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:17, "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison."

In conclusion, Jesus does not hide the "worst" aspects of following Him, but instead presents them to us upfront. He wants us to understand the true cost of discipleship and to be willing to lay down our own desires and preferences for the sake of His kingdom. However, He also promises great rewards and blessings for those who are faithful to Him. The cost may be high, but the reward is immeasurable. In contrast, Satan hides his worst and only shows his best, but his promises are empty and deceptive. The call of Jesus is not just a call to suffering and self-denial, but it is first a call to a banquet. He invites us to partake in the abundant life that He offers. So let us count the cost and choose to follow Jesus, knowing that He is abundantly worth it.