DISCIPLESHIP

“And whosoever doth not
bear his cross, and come after me,
cannot be my disciple.”
(Luke 14:27)
King James Version

Many people today will say, “Yes, I believe in God.” However, being a disciple of Christ is more than a mere mental assent to His existence. The Apostle James said, “Do you still think it's enough just to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror” (James 2:19 – NLT).
Jesus had crowds of people who followed him, literally thousands. But, they were a mixed multitude. Their intentions were not all the same. Many followed out of curiosity, some just to go along with the crowd and some for the fish and loaves. Jesus set the qualifications for discipleship. A disciple is one who is willing to be instructed, trained and disciplined in order to become like his Master in thought, attitude and action. Jesus was very clear on the cost of discipleship. The requirements for being his disciple were love, total submission and obedience.
Jesus’ first admonition is that a disciple must not love anyone more than Christ. No family members were excluded from the line-up. Jesus included father and mother, wife and children, and brothers and sisters. He even includes one’s own life, as well! Any person who stands in the way of honoring Christ, the interests of Christ, or who may dissuade one from Christ’s service must be neglected and forsaken. Such loved ones are actually an offense, hindrance and snare to the true disciple because they would only see things from a human point of view, and not from God's (Matthew 16:23). Only those who are willing to part with the dearest relationships when Christ requires it are worthy to be called his disciples.
Jesus also talks about bearing the cross. The one carrying the cross essentially walks down death row to their place of execution. There are no reprieves. The cross here represents suffering and ultimately death to one’s own mind, will, emotions, desires, dreams and expectations. Disciples of Christ must be prepared to suffer and endure all types of suffering and misery, even unto death, for the cause of the gospel.
Jesus now says, “Count up the cost. These are my qualifications and there are no exceptions.” Calculate what it really takes to be worthy of being called a disciple of Christ. Don’t just be part of the crowd, be a disciple of Christ. †