The Cost of Discipleship

Reflections on Luke 14:25–33 & Luke 9:23–26

At our Sunday service on the 22nd of June, 2025, we explored one of Jesus’ most challenging teachings — the cost of following Him. In a world where convenience and comfort are prized, Jesus’ words come as a jolt:

“Whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27).

These words are not cosy or comfortable, but they are clear. Salvation is free — a gift of grace. But discipleship? That will cost you everything.

In Jesus’ day, being a disciple meant more than learning from a teacher. The word disciple (Greek: mathētēs) described someone who left behind everything to live with and imitate their rabbi. It wasn’t part-time or casual. It was a total reorientation of life.

So when Jesus says, “Count the cost,” He’s not being dramatic. He’s being honest.

He uses two vivid examples:

• A man building a tower who doesn’t calculate the expense.

• A king going to war who doesn’t assess his strength.

Jesus isn’t looking for emotional decisions or shallow followers. He’s calling for deliberate commitment. Real discipleship means prioritising Jesus above even our closest relationships, plans, and preferences.

Of course, this kind of message can feel heavy. And it should. But it’s not without hope.

We also looked at four marks of a true disciple, drawn from Jesus’ own words:

1. Abiding in His Word (John 8:31–32)Real disciples stay rooted in Scripture, letting it shape their thinking and choices.

2. Loving One Another (John 13:34–35)Our love — not just our words — is how the world recognises us as followers of Jesus.

3. Bearing Fruit (John 15:8)A changed life is the evidence of genuine discipleship.

4. Denying Self and Carrying the Cross (Luke 9:23)This is perhaps the hardest: surrendering our will to His daily, even when it hurts.

If we think our “cross to bear” is just a noisy neighbour or a tricky cat, we might need a spiritual check-up! The cross is not inconvenience—it’s surrender.

Following Jesus is not easy. He never promised that it would be. But He did promise that He would be with us, and that in losing our life for His sake, we would find true life.

So let’s be honest: Are we fans of Jesus—or followers?

Let’s recommit ourselves to walk the narrow road, not because it’s easy, but because it leads to life, joy, and the King Himself.

“Discipleship is not easy. But it is worth it. Because He is worth it.”