WHEN FOLLOWING JESUS COSTS EVERYTHING PART 3: THE DANGER OF “FIRST LET ME…”

Image
WHEN FOLLOWING JESUS COSTS EVERYTHING PART 3: THE DANGER OF “FIRST LET ME…” Luke 9:59–60 (NIV) He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” In Part 2, we learned that following Jesus comes with a cost. Jesus Christ made it clear that discipleship is not built on comfort but on sacrifice. We cannot follow Him truly if we are only committed to convenience. Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Key Phrase “Lord, first let me…” Opening Thought 🌅 One of the greatest enemies of destiny is not rejection—it is delay. Many people are not saying “ no ” to God; they are simply saying “ not now .” But in the Kingdom, delayed obedience can quietly become disobedience. Insight 🔍 This man did not reject the call to follow Jesus Christ. In fact, he called Him “ Lord ,” showing respect. But his response revealed a divided priority: “First let me…” At first glance, his request seems reas...

WHEN FOLLOWING JESUS COSTS EVERYTHING PART 2: THE HIDDEN COST OF FOLLOWING

WHEN FOLLOWING JESUS COSTS EVERYTHING

PART 2: THE HIDDEN COST OF FOLLOWING


Luke 9:58 (NIV)

Jesus Christ replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”


In Part 1, we saw a man make a bold and emotional declaration: “I will follow you wherever you go.” But we saw that enthusiasm is not the same as endurance. Jesus is not moved by loud promises—He looks for lives that can sustain commitment when the journey becomes difficult.


Key Phrase

The Son of Man has no place to lay his head.


Opening Thought 🌅

Many people are willing to follow Jesus—as long as it does not disrupt their comfort. But true discipleship is not built on convenience; it is built on sacrifice. Before Jesus accepts a man’s bold declaration, He reveals a truth many avoid: following Him comes with a cost.


Insight 🔍

The man in the previous verse made a confident promise, but instead of welcoming him immediately, Jesus Christ responded by describing His own reality.

Foxes have holes. Birds have nestsBut the Son of God had no permanent home.

This was not just about physical discomfort—it was a revelation of the nature of His mission:

A life without worldly security

A journey marked by rejection

A path defined by sacrifice

Jesus was saying:

“Before you follow Me, understand what following Me truly requires.”


Real-life Reflection 🧭

Many believers follow Jesus with silent expectations:

“Things will get easier.”

“God will make everything smooth.”

“I will always feel at peace and comfort.”

But what happens when:

obedience leads to inconvenience?

doing right costs you opportunities?

standing for Christ isolates you?

That is when your true level of commitment is revealed.

Following Jesus may cost:

your comfort

your plans

your reputation


SPIRITUAL LESSON 📖

This passage teaches us that:

Following Jesus is not a comfort guarantee—it is a surrender call.

You must be willing to let go of security to walk in obedience.

Commitment to Christ must be deeper than your desire for ease.

Jesus reveals the cost so that our commitment will be real, not emotional.


Reflection Questions 🤔

Am I following Jesus for comfort or for transformation?

How do I respond when obedience becomes inconvenient?

What comfort zone is God asking me to step out of?


Prayer 🙏

Lord Jesus, Help me to follow You without expecting comfort. Give me the strength to embrace sacrifice and the courage to walk with You even when it is difficult. Teach me to value Your will above my convenience. Let my commitment remain steady, regardless of the cost. Amen.


Call To Action ✍️

Today, choose obedience in one area where it feels uncomfortable. Let your actions prove that your commitment is real.


Next In The Series

Part 3: The Danger Of “First Let Me…”

Jesus calls another man to follow Him, but the response reveals a subtle danger—delayed obedience disguised as responsibility. In the next devotional, we will uncover how “not now” can quietly become “not at all.”

God is speaking, are you listening?



Prince Julius Nenebi-Darkson 

(EL-PJ God's penman)

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

THE LIFE CYCLE OF SIN AS CHILDBEARING PART 2: THE GROWTH AND DEATH OF SIN

JUMPSTARTING YOUR LIFE—THE POWER OF DIVINE CONNECTIONS PART 8:WHEN IT’S TIME FOR AN UPGRADE—LETTING GO OF THE OLD TO EMBRACE THE NEW

WHEN THE ROBE COMES OFF: HONORING THE HUMANITY OF GOD’S SERVANTS PART 7: FINAL LAP: STANDING IN THE GAP — THE URGENCY OF INTERCESSION