Why Following Jesus Requires Everything
Jesus never promised that following Him would be easy. In fact, He made it clear that true discipleship comes with a cost. In Luke 9:23, He tells His followers, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” But what does that really mean for us today? How do we embrace the cost of discipleship while living in a world that often pulls us in the opposite direction?
Discipleship Isn’t Comfortable And That’s Okay
Our natural instinct is to seek comfort, security, and control over our lives. But discipleship requires surrender trusting God even when the road is uncertain. The first disciples left behind their jobs, families, and reputations to follow Jesus. They faced persecution, rejection, and hardship. Yet, they also experienced the joy and fulfillment that comes from walking closely with Christ.
Being a disciple today may not always mean physical suffering, but it does mean choosing Jesus over personal comfort. It means standing firm in faith when it’s unpopular, sacrificing time and resources to serve others, and trusting God even when the path ahead isn’t clear.
Three Key Costs of Discipleship
While discipleship is the most rewarding journey we can take, it requires a willingness to surrender certain aspects of our lives. Here are three key costs that Jesus Himself warned us about:
Surrendering Control
We like to plan our futures, set our goals, and work toward the life we envision. But Jesus calls us to let go of our own agenda and trust in His plan instead. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” When we follow Jesus, we may not always understand where He is leading, but we can trust that He is guiding us toward something greater than we could ever imagine.
Facing Opposition
Jesus warned His disciples that the world would not always accept them. In John 15:18-19, He said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” As disciples, we may face criticism, rejection, or even persecution for our faith. But instead of fearing opposition, we can see it as a confirmation that we are truly living for Christ.
Giving Up Selfish Desires
Discipleship calls us to shift our focus from self-centered living to a Christ-centered life. This means making choices that align with God’s will, even when they go against our personal desires. Whether it’s prioritizing time with God over distractions, choosing integrity in difficult situations, or serving others sacrificially, true discipleship requires a heart that seeks God’s kingdom first (Matthew 6:33).
Why the Cost Is Worth It
While the cost of discipleship is real, the reward is far greater. Following Jesus brings purpose, peace, and eternal life. Paul reminds us in Romans 8:18, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” The challenges we face today are temporary, but the impact of a life devoted to Christ is eternal.
Discipleship isn’t about losing—it’s about gaining something far greater. It’s about exchanging fleeting comforts for lasting joy, temporary struggles for eternal rewards, and self-reliance for the peace that comes from trusting in Jesus.
The question isn’t whether discipleship will cost us something—the question is whether we are willing to pay the price. Are we ready to surrender our own plans for something greater? Are we willing to stand firm in faith even when it’s difficult? Are we ready to follow Jesus no matter the cost?
Discussion Questions
- What are some ways you’ve experienced the cost of following Jesus in your own life?
- Why do you think Jesus emphasized denying ourselves as a key part of discipleship?
- Have you ever faced opposition for your faith? How did you respond?
- Which of the three costs—surrendering control, facing opposition, or giving up selfish desires—do you find most challenging? Why?
- How does knowing the eternal rewards of discipleship encourage you to stay faithful, even when it’s difficult?
This post is part of Following Jesus, Shaping Lives, a 13-part series exploring what it means to be a disciple in today’s world. In the next post, we’ll take a closer look at the first disciples and the lessons we can learn from their journey with Jesus. Join us as we continue this journey of growing as true followers of Christ!
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