- Joined
- Oct 26, 2007
- Messages
- 12,544
"So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:33
Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and multitudes of them liked to think that they were His disciples but weren’t really committed to Him. So He informed them, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). These are some of Jesus’ most difficult words, and they shook a lot of people off His coattails.
Then He added, “And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (v.27). He was telling them that they had to be like condemned criminals, carrying their crosses to the place where they’d be publicly executed. But some people still didn’t get the picture, so that’s when Jesus bluntly told them in verse 33 that they had to forsake everything they held dear—loved ones, possessions, and reputations.
Like the people in that crowd, you may simply not “get” the message that Jesus is trying to get across, that it’s very serious business, following Him. It can cost you literally everything. Be prepared to lose earthly possessions and relationships as you steadfastly follow Him. Expect setbacks and losses.
That’s part of the process of God stripping the outer layers away from you. But in return you’ll gain great spiritual riches.
Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and multitudes of them liked to think that they were His disciples but weren’t really committed to Him. So He informed them, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). These are some of Jesus’ most difficult words, and they shook a lot of people off His coattails.
Then He added, “And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (v.27). He was telling them that they had to be like condemned criminals, carrying their crosses to the place where they’d be publicly executed. But some people still didn’t get the picture, so that’s when Jesus bluntly told them in verse 33 that they had to forsake everything they held dear—loved ones, possessions, and reputations.
Like the people in that crowd, you may simply not “get” the message that Jesus is trying to get across, that it’s very serious business, following Him. It can cost you literally everything. Be prepared to lose earthly possessions and relationships as you steadfastly follow Him. Expect setbacks and losses.
That’s part of the process of God stripping the outer layers away from you. But in return you’ll gain great spiritual riches.
