The cost of following Jesus is a theme that reverberates throughout the New Testament. When the rich young man asked Jesus about inheriting eternal life, Jesus didn’t give him an easy answer. Instead, He challenged him to sell all his possessions and follow Him. This was a high cost indeed, and it left the young man feeling dejected.
We may not be asked to sell all our possessions to follow Jesus, but the cost is still significant. This cost is not just about giving up material possessions or personal ambitions. It’s also about giving up our pride, our desire for control. This is a humbling and challenging process, but it’s also liberating.
Matthew in his Gospel tells us that our love for Jesus is to be preeminent, not that we shouldn’t love our family but our love for Him is first. It means our allegiance to Christ should take precedent over all other allegiances.
It may cost us our popularity or reputation, in a world that often values self-promotion and personal success. Choosing to live a life of humility and service may not win us many accolades. We may face ridicule, rejection, or even persecution for our faith. But Jesus says: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me, rejoice and be glad. Great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
The cost is high, but the rewards are infinitely greater. We gain a relationship with the living God, the forgiveness of our sins, the promise of eternal life and the joy of living a life of purpose and meaning. A peace that surpasses understanding, a hope that does not disappoint, and a love that never fails.
We cannot earn our way into heaven by our good deeds or sacrifices. Salvation is a free gift of Gods’ grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. Once we have received this gift, we are called to live a life of discipleship, which comes with a cost. Are you willing to accept that cost?
