Jesus didn't trick people into becoming disciples, neglecting to mention the hardships until people were too far in to back out. He didn't try to sell them by focusing only on the benefits. He didn't suggest people try discipleship for a little while and then if they didn't like it, they could always quit. No, He came right out and explained, in detail, the persecutions they would face and the personal transformation that would be required. He wanted people to make an informed choice and to count the cost so that those who said "yes" to His invitation to ministry would persevere.

You would think that this blunt approach would prevent anyone from serving Christ, and there certainly are a majority of people who refuse His call, but Jesus is convinced there is no other way to produce people whose faith will last.

After selecting twelve men who are to be sent out as church planting missionaries, Jesus gives them, along with all the rest of His disciples, this sobering charge. Those of us who wish to be His disciples today would do well to listen to what He says. 

To purchase Pastor Steve's new book Understanding Acts: Life-Changing Lessons from the Early Church, visit Amazon. 

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