What Jesus Did! 'The Great Cost' — Luke 14:25-27

Sunday, September 6, 2015

Many people were traveling with Jesus. Jesus said to the people, "If a person comes to me, but will not leave his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters, then that person cannot be my follower. A person must love me more than he loves anything—even his own life! If a person will not carry the cross (suffering) that is given to him when he follows me, then that person cannot be my follower."
— Luke 14:25-27 NLT
Illustration of Luke 14:25-27 NLT — "If a person comes to me, but will not leave his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters, then that person cannot be my follower."

Key Thought

To receive the gift of salvation is the greatest blessing any of us could receive. However, with such a great blessing also comes a high cost. Jesus died to give us this gift. To share in the new life of salvation, he calls on us to join him in his death, burial, and resurrection. When we die with Christ in baptism, we are also putting to death the old selfish person of sin and offering ourselves to God. Jesus becomes our highest love and greatest priority. We serve him first and trust that he will bless us with what we need. Jesus and his Kingdom become our highest passion.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, you are worthy of all worship and praise. You worked through history to fulfill your promise. Time after time you saved your rebellious children and brought them back to you. You preserved the people of your name and through them gave us the gift of your Son. Jesus, you gave us the ultimate sacrifice; you gave your life for our sins so we could share in your Father's glory. So today, dear Father, more than I have ever been able to do before, I offer myself—my heart, soul, mind, and strength—to live for you. I willingly count all my past glories as refuse in comparison to knowing your grace. I thank you, dear Father, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 9:18-26
  • Romans 6:1-6
  • Galatians 2:20

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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