March – 10 – Called to Sacrifice

Sunday School Lesson

March 10

Lesson 2 (KJV)

Called to Sacrifice

 

Devotional Reading: Philippians 3:7–16

Background Scripture: Mark 1:16–20; Luke 14:25–33

 

Mark 1:16–20

16. Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

 

17. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

 

18. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

 

19. And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

 

20. And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

 

Luke 14:25–33

25. And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,

 

26. If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

 

27. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

 

28. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

 

29. Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

 

30. Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

 

31. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

 

32. Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

 

33. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

 

Key Verse

Whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.—Luke 14:27

 

Lesson Aims

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

 

1. Restate Jesus’ concept of discipleship.

 

2. Explain how a Christian is to evaluate commitments in light of the call of discipleship.

 

3. Identify a problem area in his or her discipleship to Christ and implement a plan to correct it.

 

 

HOW TO SAY IT

Corinthians	Ko-rin-thee-unz (th as in thin).
Ezra	Ez-ruh.
Galatians	Guh-lay-shunz.
Galilee	Gal-uh-lee.
Haggai	Hag-eye or Hag-ay-eye.
Nehemiah	Nee-huh-my–uh.
Zebedee	Zeb-eh-dee.

Introduction

1. No Nominal Christians

Perhaps you have heard or read news stories about the percentage of people who are Christians in various parts of the world. Social scientists commonly survey populations to discover people’s religious affiliation, noting trends over time.

To be identified as a Christian in most such surveys usually requires only a claim to be Christian. Few surveys ask about behaviors and practices as evidence of Christian commitment; the foundations of prayer, Bible reading, and worship attendance are ignored. Thus many people are counted as Christians merely through their self-identification as such. A term often applied to such people is nominal Christians. They are Christians in name only.

Before we form an opinion regarding the validity of that designation, we should consider what Jesus has to say about it in today’s lesson.

 

1. Lesson Context: Jesus’ Ministry Begins

The first of today’s two texts comes from the beginning of Mark’s Gospel. His storyline begins with John the Baptist’s preaching that all must repent and be cleansed by God to prepare for the imminent arrival of God’s king (Mark 1:2–8). Jesus then appears in the storyline for His baptism. At that time, He is identified by a voice from Heaven as God’s kingly Son (1:9–11). After His triumph over the devil’s tests (1:12, 13), Jesus repeats John’s message of repentance, announcing that God’s promised reign is very near (1:14, 15).

The coming of God’s promised reign, His “kingdom,” is central to Jesus’ teaching. God’s kingdom is the reestablishment of His rule over all creation, especially over rebellious humanity. The well-known words of the Lord’s Prayer express this idea: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Jesus links His coming and ministry to the inauguration of God’s kingdom. This is a movement that will one day extend the rule of God to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8), reaching complete fulfillment as Jesus returns as king (1:11). It is in this light that Jesus calls the first of His disciples.

 

1. Lesson Context: Jesus’ Death Looms

Our second text, from Luke’s Gospel, occurs in the period of Jesus’ ministry when He was on His final trip to Jerusalem. He knew He was to die there, and He had warned His disciple of that fact (Luke 9:22, 44). But they failed to understand (9:45). The crowds that joined Him had high expectations of His kingly triumph. He would indeed triumph as king, but not in a way anybody expected!

 

1. Heed the Call

(Mark 1:16–20)

Against the background noted earlier, Jesus began to call Galilean fishermen to be His disciples. Fishing was a major industry on the Sea of Galilee in Jesus’ time. Fishing operations were organized into a large guild, and many fish were processed into a tasty paste—an early version of MSG—that was sealed in jars and shipped all over the Roman Empire.

Fishing was hard work, and profits were constrained by taxes and guild regulations. But fishing provided a reliable income for hundreds of families in a place and time where life was an overwhelming struggle for most. To simply walk away from the fishing profession was unheard of.

 

1. Gathering (vv. 16–18)
2. Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

 

Jesus’ ministry begins and largely focuses on Galilee. This is the northern region of Israel’s homeland that features as its geographical focus the sea of Galilee, which is a large freshwater lake.

Along that lake Jesus sees two brothers working as fishermen. We can picture them standing in a wooden boat about 20 feet long, skillfully throwing a heavy net into the water to gather some of the abundant fish that the lake supplies.

 

What Do You Think? In what ways might the Lord call you to minister for Him in the week ahead?   Digging Deeper What techniques might Satan use to get you to disregard that call? How can you resist these?

These two will become members of the 12 disciples, or followers, whom Jesus will later designate to be “apostles” (lesson 6, page 275, discusses definition per Matthew 10:2; also see Luke 6:13). Listings of the apostles occur in Matthew 10:2–4 [lesson 6]; Mark 3:16–19; Luke 6:13–16; and Acts 1:13.

Simon (also known as Peter) will become the most prominent member of those 12. That’s probably why his name occurs first in all four lists. Indeed, he is called “first” in Matthew 10:2. The name of his brother Andrew occurs in the top third of all four lists, also indicating prominence (compare John 6:8; 12:22; see also page 276).

The paths of the 12, especially that of Peter, will be complicated, marked as much by failure as by faithfulness. But here we see simply two ordinary, hardworking fishermen with nothing to commend them as exceptional.

 

17. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

 

Jesus’ invitation is blunt and brief. His challenge is to follow Him as disciples as learners follow their teacher. The custom of Jesus’ time is that students of Jewish religious teachers actually live side by side with their teachers. That allows observance of actions as part of the teaching process. Jesus’ invitation is to that kind of life.

But the outcome to become fishers of men sets Jesus apart from other teachers. Since these fishermen used nets (not rods) and fishing lines with hooks, we can see Jesus’ image is one of gathering. It echoes the words of the prophet Jeremiah, who used the image of fishermen to promise that God would regather His scattered people after Judah’s exile (Jeremiah 16:16). God’s kingdom, Jesus has announced, is about to appear (see the Lesson Context). These two men will join Jesus in gathering a people who are ready to live as loyal subjects under God’s rule.

Thus the invitation to become disciples of Jesus is an invitation to work to extend God’s kingdom. This is the most consequential work that one can undertake. It is a work that ultimately will extend to all nations.

 

18. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

 

Peter and Andrew’s response is as abrupt as is Jesus’ invitation: they abandon their trade, their way of life and means of survival, and follow Jesus. Their lives will never be the same. But their lives will be not less but much more than before.

 

Leaving Nets … and Networks

As a child star of the sitcom Growing Pains (1985–1992), Kirk Cameron eventually rejected atheism and turned to Christ. Cameron would ask that lines be removed from the script for his TV character that went against his faith. His more recent roles have been in faith-based films.

Those who become followers of Jesus may struggle with conflicts between the demands of their careers and the commands of their Savior. Many find ways to survive and even thrive in their careers after becoming Christians. Others choose to leave their current employment to avoid these conflicts. Cameron is just one example of Hollywood stars of the recent past to have done so.

 

A growing relationship with Jesus caused some Galilean fishermen to revisit their career choices. That fact should cause us to ponder the next question here.

—J. E.

What Do You Think? Under what circumstances, if any, should one not take immediate action on a perceived call to serve? Why?   Digging Deeper Consider Nehemiah 1:1–4, 11; 2:11–16; Haggai 1:9; Luke 9:59–62; 14:31; Romans 10:2; Galatians 1:15–18; and 1 John 4:1 in your response.

1. Forsaking (vv. 19, 20)

19, 20. And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

 

Jesus issues a similar call, and two more brother-fishermen respond. These two, James the son of Zebedee, and John, will always be listed in the top third of the four lists mentioned above.

Mark emphasizes the cost of their decision as he notes that they leave behind a father as well as hired servants. The brothers’ roots in their business are deep, and the work is apparently successful enough. But forsaking all is for them not too high a price when the “pay” is to take part in fulfilling the work of God in the world.

Looking across the gospel story, we can better understand these men’s response to Jesus. Though this invitation is abrupt, other Gospel writers show us that the fishermen are prepared for it. John the Baptist has already identified Jesus to them as “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29, 35–42). Luke shows us that Jesus’ call is accompanied by an impressive miracle (Luke 5:1–11).

Neither are these men chosen because they are choice. Mark will emphasize that Peter will argue with Jesus (Mark 8:31–33) and even deny Him (14:66–72). James and John will presumptuously ask to sit in the places of power when Jesus is enthroned, failing to understand that Jesus is going to His death (10:35–45). All members of the 12 will fail Jesus at His arrest, abandoning Him to His enemies (14:43–50).

Even so, Jesus will invite them back into His company at His resurrection (Mark 14:27, 28; 16:7). He will commission them as His messengers (Matthew 28:18–20). Impressive as their response is in the moment, the Lord’s persistent grace is even more powerful.

 

1. Count the Cost

(Luke 14:25–33)

Our next passage is one of several in which Jesus redirects expectation from easy glory to costly suffering. The shadow of the cross falls across this passage, but the light of Easter morning shines on it as well.

 

1. Greatest Commitment (vv. 25–27)
2. And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them.

 

Crowds have grown as Jesus continued teaching and performing miracles on His way to Jerusalem (see the Lesson Context). Expectation that Jesus is God’s promised king spread. His presence must mean political freedom and economic prosperity for Israel. So Jesus begins to address the crowds to confront them with the real nature of His kingdom.

 

26. If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

 

Jesus begins with a list of family relationships that people cherish most. These are not merely valued by His audience. They were regarded rightly as sacred. Faithfulness as a child, spouse, parent, or sibling is demanded by God’s law. Added to this list is one’s own life, one’s very existence. Yet Jesus says that to be His disciple—one who follows Him and learns from Him how to live the godly life—one must hate all these!

This is how Jesus makes His point. Important as such relationships are, following Jesus is even more important. Those who follow Him must do so with the understanding that nothing else can be allowed to interfere. To be a disciple is greater than any other value or relationship.

Disciples learn that following Him does not diminish love for others. Rather, it increases it. The irony of Jesus’ instruction is that only by putting Him in unchallenged first place does one learn to love faithfully those most cherished. But make no mistake: relationships with those for whom one would give one’s own life are still of less value than following Jesus as a disciple.

 

What Do You Think? What struggles might you have to undergo in order to “hate” your family in the way Jesus intends that word to be taken?   Digging Deeper What insights, if any, do Ezra 10:1–17; Job 2:7–10; Luke 8:19–21; and 1 Corinthians 7:12–16 offer in this regard?

A Revered Second Place

After being sworn in as vice president in 2017, Mike Pence’s personal priorities came under intense scrutiny by the press. Those priorities were driven by his and his wife’s professed commitment to Jesus. That commitment included certain rules they held in their marriage. One such was the husband’s promise not to go to dinner with a woman unless his wife accompanied him.

When a reporter asked wife Karen about the couple’s commitment to put each other first, she quickly corrected the misunderstanding: although the Pences valued family above fame, power, and politics, they were not first place in each other’s lives. She went on to tell of a time when they were dating. When she referred to Mike as her “number one,” her husband-to-be warned that she would be disappointed if he were number one to her. The first-place position had to go to someone who truly deserved it—the Lord Jesus.

This is consistent with the warning Jesus gave to those who would follow Him. Compared with the love of Jesus, one’s love of family members should seem like “hate!” In what ways is Jesus still not first in your life?

—J. E.

 

27. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

 

The cross is so familiar in Christianity that we often forget its significance for Jesus’ audience. The Roman Empire uses death by crucifixion as a way of asserting its absolute power over subject peoples. Crucifixions are public spectacles of torture and terror, making examples of those who dare to defy Roman authority. Anyone who carries a cross is marked as a defeated enemy of Rome, about to feel the full effect of Rome’s wrath.

Jesus uses the image of cross-bearing because of His own impending death by crucifixion. But His cross will not mean defeat. By giving His life willingly, surrendering to His enemies and letting them do their worst, Jesus will pay sin’s price. In what is known today as the substitutionary atonement, Jesus will give His worthy life on behalf of the unworthy.

Those who follow Jesus as disciples do so to join Him in the work of God’s kingdom, establishing God’s reign in the world. As they do, they must carry out that work as Jesus has modeled: by giving themselves sacrificially in service to others (Luke 9:23). They, like Jesus, must trust God to provide and vindicate. They must bear in mind that they will see the full fruit of their labor only at the resurrection from the dead.

Perhaps you have heard someone say, “I guess that is my cross to bear” in response to a tragedy or loss. But the cross we bear does not refer to issues of inconvenience or painful circumstances that normally come our way in this fallen world. Rather, the cross we bear is what characterizes the life of one who follows Jesus. We live not to serve self but to serve others as the Lord did, holding nothing back (Luke 22:24–30).

 

1. Calculated Commitment (vv. 28–30)
2. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

 

Jesus now uses a comparison to impress on His followers the nature of such a commitment. Though buildings in the ancient world are simpler than those today, they are still very expensive relative to one’s resources. A tower, which might be used to guard a plot of agricultural land or even a town or city, is especially costly. It requires careful accounting to be sure that one has the resources to finish it. So Jesus urges His followers to listen carefully to His teaching, to understand the cost that He will pay and that they in turn will pay as well.

 

29, 30. Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

 

An incomplete tower is not just a material failure. It is also a cause for public shame and mockery. The failed project becomes the basis for cruel jokes and ridicule. A tower in Jesus’ time is a means of protection, a projection of power. By contrast, a failed tower is an expression of shame and weakness.

 

What Do You Think? How will you know when a pause to count cost reaches the point of being mere procrastination and lack of faith?   Digging Deeper Is that point the same for everyone? Why, or why not?

There is seeming shame in taking up one’s cross (Hebrews 12:2). But there is glory in following the enthroned king who was crucified. The real shame is in failing to recognize Jesus as God’s king, failing to surrender the price to follow Him. That opportunity is not to be missed at any price.

 

1. Absolute Commitment (vv. 31–33)
2. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

 

Jesus now provides a second comparison, also about assessing costs. Here a king faces a battle against an adversary with an army double the size of his own. Can the king with the smaller army prevail?

In this comparison, the answer seems clear: only under the exceptional circumstances can an army defeat an adversary twice its size. A proper assessment of the situation suggests only one possible course of action (next verse).

 

32. Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

 

The outnumbered king has only one choice. He cannot take the risk of battle. He can only send his representatives to meet his adversary a great way off, long before their armies meet, to sue for peace on unfavorable terms. That choice is humiliating, but it is far better than defeat and death. This illustration includes the challenge of facing reality.

 

33. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

 

This statement brings Jesus’ comparisons to bear on the audience. Like a person building a tower, they must understand the true cost of following Jesus. Like a king facing an army of overwhelming force, they must be prepared to pay a cost that seems like defeat but is in fact the way to life.

That cost is all that a person has. No possession, no status, no relationship, no home, no identity, no dream can measure up to following and serving the ruler of God’s kingdom. Nothing or no one else can give the life that He gives. Nothing else can restore us to our true selves as He does. It is a hard choice, the supreme choice—a choice that comes at great cost. But it is the only choice, no matter the cost.

 

What Do You Think? How will a person know when he or she has given up everything to follow Christ?   Digging Deeper How is your response informed by Bible examples of those who gave up much status (Moses, Paul, etc.) vs. those who gained status (Joseph, Daniel, etc.) in God’s service?

Conclusion

1. Giving Our All

In our study of today’s two lesson texts, we have seen how two seemingly incompatible ideas belong together. Jesus indeed brings God’s promised rule, but He warns us that God’s victory is achieved in weakness, lowliness, and suffering.

We cannot expect to receive a calling from the Lord as dramatic as the one that Peter, Andrew, James, and John received. None of us are called to be eyewitnesses of Jesus’ ministry on earth as those four were. Yet like them, we share in His mission of advancing the promised reign of God. Jesus calls us to be His instruments so that God’s will can be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

That calling makes us more than people who give lip service to a vaguely Christian identity. Rather, Jesus’ call demands of us our all. That call challenges our fundamental relationships, even as it compels us to love our family and friends more than we ever have before. The call demands that all our possessions and time be put at God’s disposal as we invest earthly resources for eternal return: the harvest of souls. The call means leaving many treasures behind but receiving countless more in return (Luke 18:29, 30).

Some think of the word Christian to be a term for those who confess Christ, while the word disciple is reserved for those seriously committed to following Him. The New Testament knows no such distinction. To confess Christ as Lord demands a counting of the cost of that confession. The cost is everything, but the payoff (if that’s the best term) is participation in the eternal, victorious rule of God Almighty.

 

1. Prayer

Almighty God, may we acknowledge Your rule in our lives to the extent that we submit fully to Your Son. Strengthen us in the way of the cross, even as we thank You for eternal life that awaits. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

1. Thought to Remember

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”—Jim Elliot

 

 

 

KID’S CORNER

Count the Cost of Discipleship

March 10, 2019

Mark 1:16-20 and Luke 14:25-33

 

Mark 1:16-20 and Luke 14:25-33

(Mark 1:16) As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen.

In John 1:35-51, we learn how Andrew and Simon Peter met Jesus through the preaching of John the Baptist and how they wanted to learn more about Jesus from Jesus. They were fishermen who had the responsibilities of their families, so they returned to fishing after seeing Jesus and probably discussed Jesus with their family, fishing partners, and friends. Later, as Jesus’ disciples, the Bible indicates they returned to fishing for fish from time to time.

(Mark 1:17) And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

When Jesus saw them fishing, He called to them saying, “Follow me,” which means “Obey me” or “Come with me and obey me.” Jesus promised that if they would learn from Him and obey Him that He would make them into people who could catch men. Just as fishing for fish was a learned occupation that required hard work, patience, and long hours, it would take them a few years of hard work and patience to learn their new occupation from Jesus and then from the Holy Spirit Who they would receive after Jesus’ death and resurrection. The personal qualities of a fisherman would make them well-suited to fish for people, but presumably they did not know what fishing for people meant until after they had spent time with Jesus.

(Mark 1:18) Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

Simon Peter and Andrew obeyed Jesus immediately when He called to them. They knew or may have come to seriously consider the fact that Jesus was the Messiah, which meant the promised King of Israel. Therefore, with the authority of their King and the persuasive power of the truths they had learned earlier from and about Jesus, Jesus called them into His service, and they obeyed Him immediately when He called them.

(Mark 1:19) Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets.

Mark’s history of Jesus is the shortest gospel; a brief history that he most probably learned from Simon Peter. In Luke 5:9-11, we learn that James and John were fishing partners of Simon and Andrew. If James and John had not previously met Jesus and learned personally about Jesus, as they fished with Simon and Andrew, they would have learned about Jesus. Simon and Andrew had talked to John the Baptist and had talked to Jesus personally, and they would have enthusiastically talked about Jesus as they fished. Initially, Jesus probably wanted all of them to keep fishing for fish to meet their needs while He instructed them at other times as He was conducting His early ministry in Capernaum. Then, from time to time, Jesus would probably go to them when they were fishing and call them to join Him in learning from Him during His ministry, until they became fulltime fishers of men. After Jesus resurrection they saw Him in Jerusalem, and again when they were fishing in Galilee (see John 21).

(Mark 1:20) Immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went away to follow Him.

Jesus did not impoverish the families of those He called to follow Him. When James and John left their nets immediately, they left their father with his hired servants to carry on their business, which would have continued to include meeting the needs of their families and those of their partners’ families as well. Their families took on added responsibilities too, because they knew Jesus the King had called Simon, Andrew, James, and John to serve and obey Him, just as a soldier might need to leave his family for a time in the service to their nation.

Luke 14:25-33

(Luke 14:25) Now large crowds were going along with Him; and He turned and said to them,

Because Jesus taught with the authority of a King and Teacher unlike any other, great crowds followed Him as He healed the sick, raised the dead, and fed the hungry. They became excited thinking Jesus might be the Messiah as He preached about repentance and preparing for the coming Kingdom of God, and as He acted like a King who even had the power to cast out demons and confound His religious critics in debate. They came as great crowds to Jesus because they thought He would meet all their physical and material needs and free them from Roman oppression.

(Luke 14:26) “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.

Using what appears to us as startling words and would probably have appeared to the people in the crowds as shocking, with His words Jesus thinned the crowds and reduced their numbers to those who would be serious about learning what He taught about God and following and obeying Him as a faithful disciple (student). Jesus wanted His listeners to count the cost of following Him. The Semitic expression using “hate” and “love” together means “to love” and “to love less.” Remember, Jesus taught people to love everyone even their enemies, and Jesus demonstrated God’s love for all people, even His enemies, by His death on the cross. Jesus would never teach anyone to hate those who are nearest and dearest to them. But, as the Son of God, Jesus claimed to be more important and deserving of greater love than those dearest and nearest to us; even more important than we consider ourselves. Jesus’ teaching meant that to be His disciple a person needed to love Him more than their families or anyone else. They must love Jesus supremely. They must love Jesus more than themselves—Jesus is worthy to be loved more than we love our own lives. Later, Jesus would demonstrate what these truths meant when He obeyed His Heavenly Father suffered and died on a cross for our sake.

(Luke 14:27) “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

The Jews and Gentiles of Jesus’ day were very much aware of how a criminal was treated before and after the Romans nailed them to a cross. They knew the suffering a criminal experienced as they watched them die. Jesus said that if a person wanted to be His disciple and obey him as their King; then, they must be prepared and willing to suffer and die on a cross as a criminal (which would happen to many Christians when the Roman government began to persecute them—and to suffer an agonizing death for being a Christian is certainly possible in many places today). Later, Jesus demonstrated what bearing His own cross meant for Him when He obeyed His Father and suffered and died on the cross to save us from our sins.

(Luke 14:28) “For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?

Before anyone decided to be one of Jesus’ followers or disciples, Jesus wanted them to consider all the consequences, even the worst possible consequences. Life in this world as a disciple of Jesus did not mean lots of free food and immediate healing from any sickness. As the King of the universe, Jesus will do wonderful things for people and will meet all the needs of His disciples in the future Kingdom of God when He returns. Yet, there would come a time and a time came and a time has come again when disciples who truly try to obey Jesus in every detail immediately would and will suffer and die for expressing their faith in Jesus. To help people count the cost of following Jesus, for there is a personal cost that is well worth the cost, Jesus gave them some illustrations they could understand.

(Luke 14:29) “Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him,

A wise person will estimate as carefully as possible the cost of a project before beginning the project. If they cannot afford to complete the project, a wise person will not begin it. Jesus wanted everyone who thought about following Him to consider the fact that they might suffer and die as a criminal if they obeyed Him as King. Teaching this consideration led many who had followed Him along with the crowd to count the cost and forsake Him.

(Luke 14:30) saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’

Jesus’ stories showed that a person who began something but was unable to finish it would be mocked. Their inability to successfully finish the project might indicate that they had foolishly embarked on the project. Jesus knew that many who followed Him would leave Him when the going became difficult and dangerous, and they would be mocked—especially by the unbelieving crowds and religious leaders who rejected Him. Becoming a disciple of Jesus and following Jesus to the end would require total commitment, sacrifice, and perseverance.

(Luke 14:31) “Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand?

Jesus the King counted the cost before He came into our world, and Jesus successfully completed the task set before Him. Jesus knew that He would be mocked by unbelievers and those who did evil. His truthful claim to be the Messiah and the Son of God would lead to His suffering and death on the cross, but He also knew before He came that He was willing pay that price; and by doing so, He knew that He would defeat Satan and free all who would believe in Him from slavery to Satan and sin. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

(Luke 14:32) “Or else, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.

Prior to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Roman army in 70 A.D., the Jews believed they could crush the mighty Roman army and gain their freedom; therefore, they refused to accept or ask for terms of peace and suffered the consequences. Rejecting Jesus to follow someone else or some other god or religion or philosophy will not save someone from death and destruction. No matter what the personal cost, it is far better to pick up your cross and follow King Jesus into eternity.

(Luke 14:33) “So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.”

Jesus did not mean that people had to give away all their possessions to be His disciple, but they had to be willing to give up all they possessed, if necessary, to follow Him. Later, when Christians refused to make an offering to Caesar and recognize Caesar as a god to save their physical lives, they did renounce all that they possessed, even their own lives, as they suffered crucifixion or faced the lions in the Roman Colosseum or suffered far worse. They counted the cost and paid the price to keep following Jesus, the King. Even today, some have sacrificed to help the poor, to build a church, to support missionaries, and their very lives to go to foreign lands to tell others about salvation from sin and death and the blessedness that comes from serving King Jesus in the Kingdom of God now and forever.

 

Count the Cost of Discipleship

March 10, 2019

Mark 1:16-20 and Luke 14:25-33

 

 “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27).

 

Jesus attracted great crowds partially because of the earthly benefits those who followed Him expected to receive. They saw or had heard about Jesus feeding thousands of people with a few borrowed fish and some pieces of bread. Obviously to some, if they followed Jesus, they could enjoy free food and not need to work. Perhaps even better, some expected Jesus to heal all their diseases if they ever got sick. After all, Jesus made the blind to see, the deaf to hear, and the lame to walk. Imagining all the possible benefits of following Jesus, who wouldn’t want to join the crowd! But, as Jesus told Pilate, His Kingdom was not of this world. Jesus wanted followers who would love and obey God, not just seek the gifts God could give them. Jesus wanted followers who would become His disciples and learn the truth about His Father, himself, and the gift of eternal life; then, His disciples could go out into the world and proclaim the good news of salvation from sin and sin’s consequences through faith in Him. So, Jesus thinned the crowds when He told everyone they could not be His disciples unless they carried their own cross and were willing to suffer and die as a common criminal to learn the words of eternal life. Since Jesus had promised, “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life,” Peter chose to suffer and die as His disciple, telling Jesus, “You have the words of eternal life” (Matthew 19:29, John 6:68).

 

Thinking Further

Count the Cost of Discipleship

March 10, 2019

Mark 1:16-20 and Luke 14:25-33

Name ___________________________

 

1. Do you think Simon and Andrew, and James and John, knew anything about Jesus before Jesus called them to follow Him? Give a reason for your answer.

 

 

2. What are some of the qualities of a fisherman’s occupation that would help Simon, Andrew, James, and John be good at fishing for people?

 

 

3. What are some of the reasons that you can think of for great crowds of people following Jesus? Why do you think some people, even some great crowds, follow Jesus today?

 

 

4. Why do you think Jesus’ true disciples obey Him immediately? What might it indicate when someone who calls himself a disciple of Jesus consistently refuses to obey Jesus’ commands in the Bible?

 

 

5. Have you counted the cost of becoming and being one of Jesus’ true disciples? Give a reason for your answer.

 

 

Discussion and Thinking Further

 

1. Do you think Simon and Andrew, and James and John, knew anything about Jesus before Jesus called them to follow Him? Give a reason for your answer. Yes. I think they met Jesus through John the Baptist’s ministry and Jesus gave them time to learn more about Him from Him and others before calling them to follow Him. Jesus wanted His disciples to count the cost before following Him as disciples; therefore, I do not believe He would have wanted them to blindly follow Him just because He called them. I think they experienced Jesus as their King and felt His authority as their King.

 

2. What are some of the qualities of a fisherman’s occupation that would help Simon, Andrew, James, and John be good at fishing for people? Patience, hard work, and being willing to spend long hours (all night if necessary) to succeed in catching fish. They had partnership experience from working with their fathers and other families in business. They were providing a real service to people who needed fish to eat. They knew how to meet at least some of the material needs of people, and they would learn how to meet the spiritual needs of people as they followed Jesus.

 

3. What are some of the reasons that you can think of for great crowds of people following Jesus? Why do you think some people, even some great crowds, follow Jesus today? They liked the blessings of food and healings. They liked the fact that He taught with more authority than their religious leaders. They thought He might overthrow their Roman oppressors. Today, many people follow Jesus for personal benefit rather than to serve others as one of His disciples.

 

4. Why do you think Jesus’ true disciples obey Him immediately? What might it indicate when someone who calls himself a disciple of Jesus consistently refuses to obey Jesus’ commands in the Bible? They know Jesus is the great King, the Son of God, and they want to be His faithful servants and friends in the Kingdom of God. They know that as their King, Jesus deserves being obeyed immediately and Jesus expects immediate obedience (as any employer would). He is a liar and a hypocrite.

 

5. Have you counted the cost of becoming and being one of Jesus’ true disciples? Give a reason for your answer. Yes. I like to help others learn more about Jesus and the Bible and that takes time away from doing other less important endeavors.

 

 

 

Word Search

Count the Cost of Discipleship

March 10, 2019

Mark 1:16-20 and Luke 14:25-33

Name ___________________________

 

W M W Y E E O U T E D G L U D

J E S U S C E M P S U S K I C

C W H Y T P N L Y V K Z J M P

M R D V D J Z U I C X C A M T

S Q O L G E H R O L A Z M E X

K E F S B S G M K N A J E D P

N X I E S U H D D V E G S I E

Z E D C O S I R M H S R Q A A

J E M N P S E B Z I O K G T C

E I Q R C W R P M W J D P E E

V H W I E Q F O L L O W S L S

T Z P H A H N C G W S J N Y E

K L F S W E S Z S T Q H O P W

E J X E M Q M I P C O J U Z Q

X K P H J C W A F J F Q I P T

 

Jesus

Simon

Andrew

Galilee

Fishermen

Follow

James

John

Zebedee

Immediately

Disciple

Cross

Renounce

Mock

Peace

 

 

True and False Test

Count the Cost of Discipleship

March 10, 2019

Mark 1:16-20 and Luke 14:25-33

Name _____________________________

 

Circle the true or false answers. Correct the false statements by restating them.

 

1. Jesus called Simon, Andrew, James, and John from fishing to follow Him. True or False

 

2. Jesus taught His disciples how to catch fish so they could teach those who were poor how to catch fish and start family businesses. True or False

 

3. James and John left their father to fish alone and do the best he could without them. True or False

 

4. Jesus said whatever he thought was necessary in order to draw large crowds and impress the scribes and Pharisees. True or False

 

5. By comparison, Jesus wanted followers would love Him more than anyone or anything else. True or False

 

6. Because Jesus is the Son of God, He deserves and could rightly ask people for their undivided love and loyalty. True or False

 

7. If a person became a true disciple of Jesus, he might die as a common criminal on a cross. True or False

 

8. It is no problem if a person becomes a follower of Jesus and then later forsakes Him. True or False

 

9. Everyone who begins following Jesus will be given enough money and power to build towers and win all their wars. True or False

 

10. If a person is unwilling to renounce all they have, they cannot become a true disciple of Jesus. True or False

 

 

True and False Test Answers

 

1. True
2. False
3. False
4. False
5. True
6. True
7. True
8. False
9. False

10.True

 

Prayer

Almighty God, may we acknowledge Your rule in our lives to the extent that we submit fully to Your Son. Strengthen us in the way of the cross, even as we thank You for eternal life that awaits. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.