Discipleship isn't about casual commitment, it's about radical surrender.

In Luke 14:25–33, we are confronted with the cost of truly following Jesus. Discipleship calls us to more than just a surface-level decision; it's a radical reordering of priorities. Jesus challenges us to “hate” our family and even our own lives, not as a call to self-hatred, but to choose God's will over our own, even when it's hard.

Pastor Ryan Sclachter reminds us that true discipleship requires us to examine our hearts, ambitions, and desires in light of our commitment to Christ. It’s about daily surrender bearing our cross, not suppressing our personality or self-worth, but choosing God's plan over our own.

While the cost of following Jesus is high, the cost of not following Him is infinitely higher. As we count the cost, we discover that what we gain in Christ far outweighs what we give up.