How Much?
Ke bo Kae. ¿Cuánto cuesta? Combien? These are translations of some of the first words I learn wherever my travels take me. They mean, “how much?” They are the words that came to mind as I was recently reading Luke 9:55 and following. The title given to that passage of Scripture is “The Cost of following Jesus”.
I struggled with the exchange rate on our recent trip to Zambia. Currently one US dollar is equal to 4,838.87 Zambian Kwacha’s. I have been used to exchange rates that are a little easier to convert, for example, 7 Pula for 1 US dollar. So, whenever we were in Zambia it took quite a bit of time for me to think about what the actual cost of something was and if it was worth it.
There are many “costs” to following Jesus. In Luke 9:57-62 Jesus gives us three of them. It may cost you your attachment to your home. It may cost you your attachment to your family. It will cost you time and effort as you follow Christ. Notice that Jesus is not telling these to the “spiritually elite” but to people who were seeking Him. The question of “how much” is always followed by one of value. “Is it worth it?” In particular, is following Christ worth the cost of home, family, time and effort?
To answer that question we would do well to spend some time in Hebrews as the author considers the supremacy of Christ. I imagine most would not even need to go to Hebrews, for they already know the answer in their heart because they have seen His worthiness in their own lives. The truth is that it WILL “cost” us to follow Jesus… and if it is not costing us, then we must ask if we are actually following Him.
I struggled with the exchange rate on our recent trip to Zambia. Currently one US dollar is equal to 4,838.87 Zambian Kwacha’s. I have been used to exchange rates that are a little easier to convert, for example, 7 Pula for 1 US dollar. So, whenever we were in Zambia it took quite a bit of time for me to think about what the actual cost of something was and if it was worth it.
There are many “costs” to following Jesus. In Luke 9:57-62 Jesus gives us three of them. It may cost you your attachment to your home. It may cost you your attachment to your family. It will cost you time and effort as you follow Christ. Notice that Jesus is not telling these to the “spiritually elite” but to people who were seeking Him. The question of “how much” is always followed by one of value. “Is it worth it?” In particular, is following Christ worth the cost of home, family, time and effort?
To answer that question we would do well to spend some time in Hebrews as the author considers the supremacy of Christ. I imagine most would not even need to go to Hebrews, for they already know the answer in their heart because they have seen His worthiness in their own lives. The truth is that it WILL “cost” us to follow Jesus… and if it is not costing us, then we must ask if we are actually following Him.
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