The Cost

2 Kings 24; Jeremiah 22; Psalms 112; John 18 

“Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, ‘Who is it you want?’ ‘Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied. ‘I am he,” Jesus said…Jesus commanded Peter, ‘Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?’”

John 18:4, 5, 11

The grace and humility with which Jesus courageously faced his betrayal, arrest, and subsequent trial, all stemmed from his preparation for the cross through spending time with his heavenly Father. Jesus didn’t run when the soldiers and [priests’] temple guards came to arrest him. He volunteered his identity and faced his accusers. This model of faithful endurance in the face of persecution has encouraged the Church since the time of Christ. Jesus willingly took the cup of suffering from the hand of his Father, and so can we.

Are we responding to the cost of discipleship and mission with courageous humility?

Or are we resisting the cup of suffering and hiding or escaping?

Jesus promised that those who would follow him would suffer.

Have we accepted the cost, or only the crown?

“Lord Jesus, I pray for the grace to suffer for the gospel like you, for your glory.”