Counting the Cost

Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned and said to them, "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'....So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions. (Luke 14:25-33)

Much attention is given in the world to envisioning, goal setting and planning. The world knows that things do not get accomplished without goals and a plan. Jesus makes it clear that this is true also in relation to following him. It is true for our individual callings.
 

    Jesus wants us to follow him - all the way.

 

Questions for Reflection & Sharing
 

  1. What do you want you relationship with Jesus Christ to be like one year from now? What steps will you have to take to see that happen?
  2. What kind of ministry (use of your gifts) do you believe Jesus may have you doing two years from now? What steps will you have to take to see that happen?
  3. What do we have to give up to follow Jesus - and keep following Jesus?
  4. How do you feel about giving up your children? What does that mean to you? How do you need to be letting go today?
  5. What kind of giving up needs to happen in your relationships? With your possessions? Other areas of your life? - To get where Jesus is leading you?
    6.  
    Pray for each other!