Transcription
After giving what would be a turn off to some people, this bold declaration that, that, that you're going to have to follow me at all costs, that by comparison, if you don't hate your mother, your father, your sister, your brother, your children, and your own self, you cannot be my disciple.
Can I just pause and say, I love Jesus's leadership style. Jesus is not worried about winning a popularity contest. Jesus is not worried about likes, and Jesus is not worried about if you are going to like him tomorrow. He's going to tell you the truth today, and if you show up tomorrow, he's going to tell you the truth again. He's constantly vetting why you're following him. Are you following me just for blessings? Are you following me just for health? Are you following me just for wealth? It's going to be tested by comparison. Do you love me or your children more? Oh, Jesus, with a blank face, he's just looking at you like, by comparison, do you love me or your wife more? Oh, Jesus, you told me to love my bride like you love yours, and if it comes down to me or her, who's it gonna be? Jesus, you want me to hate my mother and my father? They born me, Jesus. I need you. By comparison, I hate everything else when it comes to me.
Not only that, I need you to pick up your cross. I need you to follow me. But please, don't do this unless you've counted the cost. Don't do it out of emotion. Don't do it because they sang your favorite song during altar call. Don't do it because they dim the lights. Don't do it because your friend grabbed your hand. Only do this if you've counted up the cost, because you will have great days with Jesus, but how many disciples know there are also going to be some tough days with Jesus? He is not with you for just a good life. He's with you for all of your life, on the good days and the bad days, on the ups and the downs, on the mountains and the valleys. Jesus promises to be with you on all of those days, not just the church days.