The Cost of Following Jesus
Hoping with daring courage.
Luke 18:18-34 | Philippians 1:12-26 | Gospels during Lent: John 21
Jesus makes clear the commitment following him entails. Well…it is clear in the sense of the gravity of it all. It may not be so clear in terms of the specifics of your own life. But this is the task of assessing one’s life and the commitment one has toward Christ.
Paul demonstrates a great posture in such commitment. As he sits in prison, he apparently hears of various factions angling for position within the Church. Paul, in a move that would perhaps be frustrating to gatekeepers on one side or another, continues to focus on Christ and his work within.
Luke 18:18-34
A certain ruler asked Jesus, “Good Teacher, what must I do to obtain eternal life?”
Jesus replied, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except the one God. You know the commandments: Don’t commit adultery. Don’t murder. Don’t steal. Don’t give false testimony. Honor your father and mother.”
Then the ruler said, “I’ve kept all of these things since I was a boy.”
When Jesus heard this, he said, “There’s one more thing. Sell everything you own and distribute the money to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven. And come, follow me.” When he heard these words, the man became sad because he was extremely rich.
When Jesus saw this, he said, “It’s very hard for the wealthy to enter God’s kingdom! It’s easier for a camel to squeeze through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom.”
Those who heard this said, “Then who can be saved?”
Jesus replied, “What is impossible for humans is possible for God.”
Peter said, “Look, we left everything we own and followed you.”
Jesus said to them, “I assure you that anyone who has left house, husband, wife, brothers, sisters, parents, or children because of God’s kingdom will receive many times more in this age and eternal life in the coming age.”
Jesus took the Twelve aside and said, “Look, we’re going up to Jerusalem, and everything written about the Human One by the prophets will be accomplished. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. He will be ridiculed, mistreated, and spit on. After torturing him, they will kill him. On the third day, he will rise up.” But the Twelve understood none of these words. The meaning of this message was hidden from them and they didn’t grasp what he was saying.
Philippians 1:12-26
Brothers and sisters, I want you to know that the things that have happened to me have actually advanced the gospel. The whole Praetorian Guard and everyone else knows that I’m in prison for Christ. Most of the brothers and sisters have had more confidence through the Lord to speak the word boldly and bravely because of my jail time. Some certainly preach Christ with jealous and competitive motives, but others preach with good motives. They are motivated by love, because they know that I’m put here to give a defense of the gospel; the others preach Christ because of their selfish ambition. They are insincere, hoping to cause me more pain while I’m in prison.
What do I think about this? Just this: since Christ is proclaimed in every possible way, whether from dishonest or true motives, I’m glad and I’ll continue to be glad. I’m glad because I know that this will result in my release through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. It is my expectation and hope that I won’t be put to shame in anything. Rather, I hope with daring courage that Christ’s greatness will be seen in my body, now as always, whether I live or die. Because for me, living serves Christ and dying is even better. If I continue to live in this world, I get results from my work. But I don’t know what I prefer. I’m torn between the two because I want to leave this life and be with Christ, which is far better. However, it’s more important for me to stay in this world for your sake. I’m sure of this: I will stay alive and remain with all of you to help your progress and the joy of your faith, and to increase your pride in Christ Jesus through my presence when I visit you again.
Prayer
God,
As I begin this new day, I’m thankful for the gift of life. Like the certain rich ruler, I acknowledge I’m dependent on your guidance and grace for life that is lasting. Help me to surrender all aspects of my life, recognizing that true wealth is found in following your will.
Lord, just as Paul found purpose and joy in his circumstances, I pray for a similar perspective. Guide me in the challenges of this day, that they may be opportunities to share your goodness, trusting that you are at work in all situations.
Grant me the strength to let go of any attachments that hinder, whether they be the things I own (or that own me!) or desires that distract from your goodness. Help me to find contentment in every circumstance, knowing your grace is sufficient.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.