The Cost of Following Jesus
Whether we like it or not, everything we do has cost. In a world with limited resources, anything we do comes at a cost. Whether it be time, money or our effort, there’s something we need to give up. The economic landscape has drastically shifted, causing us to be more aware of how the cost of everyday goods and services are racking up. Like the economic times we currently face, the cost of following Jesus is also something that doesn’t come cheap. From John 6:60-71, these are the costs of following Jesus.
1. Christians need to go against their fleshly desired (v 60-66)
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. (John 6:63)
There were a group of disciples who listened to Jesus’ teaching, understood and comprehended what He was saying. But, they didn’t want to bear the cost of fully committing their lives to following him. The reason being was that this group of disciples wanted to live however they wanted to live. In other words, they desired the flesh over the call to follow Christ; a call to holiness. Since the disciples didn’t want to commit to Jesus’ teaching, it only made sense that they would leave Jesus and his teaching.
There are many reasons why we call ourselves Christians, and why we participate in our faith communities. But many times, we often don’t count the true cost of following Jesus. And sometimes, many people leave the church because they realise the cost of following Jesus is too high a price to pay.
But if we are true Christians, we can’t live according to our flesh. We ought to live according to his Word and his Way.
Reflection Questions:
What are some difficulties of being a Christian?
Have you been living for your flesh recently? If so, how?
Share a time/season in your life when you willing chose to live against God. What were the results?
2. Christians need to live according to how God wants us to live (v 67-71)
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68-69)
On the other hand, there was a smaller group of disciples who remained faithful even if it meant they had to give up their ambitions and desires for God’s calling.
Between the two groups, there was one thing that distinguished them. This one thing was dependence on the Word of God. When we rely on God’s words, we can know the task he’s committed to us, and we can be encouraged to remain faithful to both God and his work.
When our lives draft away from God’s Word, it becomes difficult to do anything, let alone things Christians are called to do! But when we draw closer to his Word, and depend wholly on it, serving him becomes our passion.
Reflection Questions:
What does it look like practically to depend on God's Word?
What prevents you from depending on God's Word?
Share a time when God's Word had impacted you.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for loving us even when we fall short of your standards. Please help us to depend on your Word daily so we can serve you and spread the Gospel to those around us.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen