You can find the first installment in this series here: Count the Cost: Crowds.

Psalm 103 reminds us to “forget not all his benefits.” This is biblical truth which needs to be obeyed. Yet, that exhortation is balanced by Jesus’ word to “count the cost” (Luke 14:25-35). 

Prior to giving the exhortation to count the cost, we’re told “Large crowds were traveling with Jesus” (Luke 14:25).  The crowd was moved by his preaching, awed by his miracles, or hopeful that he was indeed the Promised One. He was also followed by religious leaders seeking to shut him up. They eventually hung him upon a tree. 

Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, but he did not speak of a mission statement, goals for the future, or words of hope and comfort. Rather, he spoke of cost. Perhaps he sniffed superficiality among the masses, or he favored laying out the truth for the sake of transparency and clear expectations.  Jesus attracted crowds but he called disciples.

Unlike Crowds Disciples pursue Jesus with Whole-hearted Devotion.

Jesus approached Simon and Andrew and offered the invitation, “Come, follow me.”  They gladly accepted.  At once, they dropped their nets and followed.  In the next scene Jesus offered the same invitation to the Zebedee brothers.  Without delay, they left their father in the boat and followed. 

When you read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke John), you read the life and ministry of Jesus.  Yet, as a subplot, you read the life and ministry of the disciples.  You see the disciples get it right.  You see them get it wrong.  You see them rebuked and faithful.  

One of the many lessons the gospel stories teach us: Following Jesus requires whole-hearted devotion.

Some have asked, “Does Jesus draw a distinction between Christians and disciples?”  I don’t believe that to be the case.  It is common to read a passage like Luke 14 and say, “OK.  But what’s the least amount I can do and still be alright?”  We like to discuss the lowest level of commitment and minimal effort required.  Jesus, and the writers of the New Testament, talked about faithfulness and faithfulness to the end. 

I love John chapter 6.  It’s a long chapter which begins with a long teaching of Jesus.  At John 6:60 some disciples think Jesus’ teaching is too difficult.  So they head home.  Jesus looks at the 12 disciples in John 6:67 and asks, “You do not want to leave too do you?  In John 6:68-69 Peter answers, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”  

Unlike Crowds Disciples Become More Like Jesus.

Disciples are continually developing the character of Jesus.  You can find the character of Jesus in a passage like Phil 2:6-11: obedience, servanthood, humility.  You can find the character of Jesus in the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 

Disciples are continually developing the competencies of Jesus.  Jesus taught the original disciples the word of God.  He taught them prayer.  He taught them to care for the down and out.  He taught them to preach the gospel. He taught them to depend upon God.

I love Luke 10 in which Jesus sends out 72 disciples.  He sends them out two by two and gives them instructions: Don’t take money or rely on your possessions.  Build relationships.  Preach.  They actually do it and come back to report on all that was done.  

The life of a disciple is life as an intern of a master teacher, who also happens to be Lord and Savior.  Jesus is passing onto us his character and competencies.  

Unlike Crowds Disciples Make More Disciples.

From day one, Jesus said to his disciples, “Come, follow me and I will send you out to fish for people (Matthew 4:19).” You could make the argument, that you are not a disciple unless you make disciples.   

Too many people call themselves disciples while still fishing for fish.