The Cost and Rewards of Discipleship

Everything in life comes with a cost. Whether it is our time, our money, our energy or resources, we spend a lot of time determining if the "price" is worth the "payoff" in nearly everything we do. And what is true in our physical lives is also true in our discipleship. So what does it cost to truly follow Jesus? And is it worth it? In Matthew 16:21-28, Jesus reveals both the cost and the reward of discipleship. He calls his followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him. Following Christ may involve sacrifice, surrender, and even suffering. But Jesus reminds us that nothing can compare with the joy of being part of His Kingdom. In this message we see:

1) Discipleship is messy.

2) Discipleship is demanding.

3) Discipleship is worth it!

True discipleship is costly but the benefits are greater than we can imagine. If this message encourages you, please like and share with others!

From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

- Matthew 16:21-28