Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 4: Miracles, Opposition, and Growing Faith
4.9 — Counting the Cost of Following Jesus
Counting the Cost of Following Jesus: Discipleship is more than admiration—it is a lifelong commitment to follow Christ.
4.9 — Counting the Cost of Following Jesus
Discipleship Requires Commitment
Peter had just declared:
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
The disciples were beginning to understand who Jesus was.
But they still had much to learn about what it meant to follow Him.
Many people wanted Jesus as a miracle worker.
Many wanted a king who would solve their problems.
Many wanted blessings without sacrifice.
Jesus challenged those expectations.
He taught that following Him involved more than admiration.
It required commitment.
Faith was not simply about believing certain facts.
It involved trust, obedience, surrender, and a willingness to follow God’s will.
After revealing His identity, Jesus began teaching His disciples about the path ahead.
That path would include suffering, sacrifice, service, and ultimately victory.
This lesson explores what Jesus meant when He called people to become true disciples.
Scripture References
Matthew 16:21–28
Mark 8:31–38
Luke 9:23–27
Luke 14:25–33
Philippians 3:7–14
The Story
After Peter’s confession, Jesus began explaining that He would go to Jerusalem, suffer, be rejected, die, and be raised again.
The disciples were shocked.
This was not what they expected from the Messiah.
Peter even attempted to correct Jesus.
Jesus responded firmly because Peter was focusing on human expectations rather than God’s plan.
Then Jesus turned to all His disciples and said:
If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.”
The statement was surprising.
The cross was not yet a Christian symbol.
It was a symbol of suffering, sacrifice, and complete surrender.
Jesus explained that those who seek only to save their lives will ultimately lose them.
But those who surrender their lives to God will find true life.
The invitation to follow Jesus was open to everyone.
Yet it came with a cost.
Understanding the Story
What Does It Mean to Deny Yourself?
Jesus was not teaching self-hatred.
He was teaching surrender.
Following Christ means placing God’s will above personal desires, ambitions, and priorities.
What Does It Mean to Take Up Your Cross?
When Jesus spoke these words, the cross represented sacrifice and submission.
The disciples would have understood it as a call to complete commitment.
Today, the phrase refers to faithfully following Jesus even when doing so is difficult.
Why Did Peter Struggle With Jesus’ Teaching?
Peter expected a victorious Messiah.
The idea of suffering and death did not fit his expectations.
Like many people, Peter had to learn that God’s plans are often different from human assumptions.
Why Is Following Jesus Worth the Cost?
Jesus taught that true life is found in Him.
Temporary sacrifices cannot compare to the eternal blessings of knowing and following Christ.
Understanding Jesus
The Difference Between a Follower and a Disciple
Many people followed Jesus in crowds.
Far fewer became disciples.
A disciple is a learner, follower, and apprentice who seeks to become more like the teacher.
Jesus called people into a relationship that would transform every area of life.
Why Did Jesus Speak So Directly?
Jesus never hid the challenges of discipleship.
He wanted people to understand the commitment involved in following Him.
Faith is not based on convenience.
It is based on trust.
What Did the Disciples Eventually Learn?
Although they struggled at first, the disciples eventually embraced Jesus’ mission.
After the resurrection and Pentecost, they boldly shared the Gospel despite opposition and hardship.
Old Testament Connections
Throughout Scripture, God calls people to trust Him even when the path is difficult.
Abraham left his homeland.
Moses confronted Pharaoh.
Joshua entered the Promised Land.
David faced giants and enemies.
The prophets remained faithful despite rejection.
Jesus continues this pattern by calling people to trust God above all else.
Missing Context Check
Was Jesus Calling People to Seek Suffering?
No.
Jesus was not glorifying pain or hardship.
He was teaching that faithfulness sometimes requires sacrifice and perseverance.
Does Following Jesus Mean Life Will Be Easy?
No.
The Bible never promises an easy life.
Jesus promised His presence, strength, and ultimate victory.
What Is the Cost of Discipleship?
The cost may involve surrendering pride, selfishness, comfort, fear, or personal plans in order to follow God’s will.
A Deeper Look: Losing Life to Find Life
One of Jesus’ most surprising teachings is:
“Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”
Jesus was teaching that the pursuit of self above everything else ultimately leads to emptiness.
True life is found in surrendering to God’s purposes.
The world often says:
“Live for yourself.”
Jesus says:
“Follow Me.”
The difference changes everything.
Key Themes
Discipleship Requires Commitment
Following Jesus involves more than admiration.
Faith Involves Trust
God’s plans are often greater than our own.
Surrender Leads to Life
True life is found in Christ.
Jesus Calls Ordinary People
The invitation to follow Him remains open to everyone.
Why This Lesson Matters
Modern culture often emphasizes comfort, success, and personal fulfillment.
Jesus offers a different path.
He invites people to live for something greater than themselves.
This lesson challenges believers to examine priorities, commitments, and faithfulness.
Following Jesus may not always be easy, but Christians believe it leads to abundant and eternal life.
Connecting to Jesus
This lesson reveals Jesus as:
The Messiah.
Teacher.
Savior.
Lord.
The One worthy of complete trust and devotion.
Jesus does not simply invite people to believe in Him.
He invites them to follow Him.
Living the Message
This week:
Reflect on areas where God may be calling you to greater trust.
Pray about anything you are holding more tightly than Christ.
Look for opportunities to serve others sacrificially.
Read Luke 9:23–27 and consider what discipleship means in your daily life.
Remember that following Jesus is a lifelong journey.
Reflection Questions
What does it mean to deny yourself?
Possible answers:
To place God’s will above personal desires and priorities.
What does it mean to take up your cross?
Possible answers:
To faithfully follow Jesus even when it requires sacrifice.
Why did Peter struggle with Jesus’ teaching?
Possible answers:
He expected a different kind of Messiah and mission.
Why is discipleship worth the cost?
Possible answers:
Because true life is found in Christ.
How can believers follow Jesus today?
Possible answers:
Through worship, prayer, Scripture, service, obedience, and daily faithfulness.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Jesus calls people to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him.
Reasons We Believe
Jesus offers forgiveness, purpose, abundant life, and eternal hope.
Obedience in Action
Identify one area where you can place God’s will above your own preferences this week.
Walk It Out
Ask God to help you follow Christ faithfully in everyday life.
Related Pages
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Feasts, Festivals, Seasons, and the Jewish Calendar
Feasts and Festivals in the Time of Jesus
