THE COST OF TRUE DISCIPLESHIP

Sermon Notes, November 9, 2014

Rev. Dan White

          Pastor Dan’s message was titled “The Cost of True Discipleship,” and his text was Matthew 8:18-22.  In those verses, a teacher of the law came up to Jesus and said he would follow Him.  Jesus reminded him that foxes have holes and birds have nests, but He had no place to lay His head.  Another man following Him said “First let me bury my father.”  Jesus told him to follow Him and let the dead bury their own dead.  Being homeless, and rejecting family seem to be harsh costs of being a disciple of Jesus.

          Everywhere Jesus went He attracted a crowd.  At the end of His life, He said “When I am lifted up, I will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32)  He was lifted up, on the cross.  He is still being lifted up today when His followers tell others what He has done for them.  He is still drawing people to Himself.

         Jesus healed some, fed some, cast out demons from some.  They came to Jesus for what they could get.  (John 6:26-27)  He told them not to work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which He would give them.  Then they asked, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”  And Jesus told them, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent.” (John 6:28-29)

          That is still our job today, to believe in the One God has sent.  He will tell us what work we are to do, whether it is knocking on doors, helping people, or giving (time, money, of yourself, food, etc.).  Tell others what God has done for you.  Be the best you can be for the Lord.