Evangelism – Present the Cost can be an uncomfortable conversation. Why do people follow Jesus? Some may be drawn to Christianity because they hope faith will make life easier, happier, or more successful. But Jesus never recruited disciples with promises of an easy life. Instead, he wanted people to understand clearly what it means to follow him.
Cross Bearing
In Luke 14, large crowds were traveling with Jesus. He turned to them and spoke startling words: anyone who would follow him must put Jesus ahead of father, mother, spouse, children—and even his or her own life. He added that a disciple must be willing to “carry his cross and follow me.” Jesus was not telling Christians to despise their families. He was teaching that nothing—not even our closest relationships—can take his place in our hearts. Following Jesus means that he comes first.
Expensive Endeavors
Jesus then illustrated the importance of counting the cost. A person planning to build a tower first determines whether he has enough to finish it. Otherwise, an unfinished foundation becomes a monument to a commitment he was unwilling or unable to complete. Following Jesus is likewise not a casual decision. But Jesus also tells us to count the other cost: the cost of not following him. He pictures a king with ten thousand soldiers facing another with twenty thousand. Recognizing that he cannot win, the weaker king wisely seeks peace.
Speak The Truth
Christian evangelism, then, isn’t about hiding the difficulties of discipleship to make Christianity more attractive. We can lovingly tell people the truth. Following Jesus may involve sacrifice, difficult choices, and carrying crosses. Yet the One who calls us to follow him is also the One who carried the cross for us. He deserves not merely a place in our lives, but, the highest place in our hearts.
Want to hear more? Watch this week’s study, Evangelism – Present the Cost.
Please click HERE for the Bible class slides.