1. Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

2. A reminder to consider others Please:  Turn off your cell phone or set to vibrate only  Turn off sound to all electronic devices  Use the nursery or cry room if your child is fussy  Get up during the preaching only if absolutely necessary (please sit in back if you must leave early)

3. The Purpose and Cost of Following Jesus John 7:2-10; Luke 9:51-62; Matthew 8:19-22 By every measure being a disciple of Jesus Christ is a grand and glorious adventure, but it is not easy There is a purpose in following Jesus, but it is not you. There is a cost to following Jesus, and it can be high

4. The Setting John 7:1-2 Jesus ministered in Galilee to avoid the Jewish religious leaders that wanted to kill Him. Jesus was supposed to celebrate the Feast of Booths, but when would He come?

5. Family Conflict John 7:3-9 Jesus’ brothers tell Him to go to Jerusalem to show Himself to the world and increase His following Jesus’ brothers affirm Jesus was a miracle worker, but they do not yet believe He is the Messiah

6. Family Conflict John 7:3-9 John 7:6-8 Jesus was living according to the Father’s schedule.

7. Family Conflict John 7:3-9 The world pays little attention to those who are worldly, but will hate those that are godly Are you living righteously enough to have the world take notice?

8. Family Conflict John 7:3-9 Jesus would stay in Galilee until after His brothers had departed - and then go secretly in God’s timing Jesus’ purpose was to do the Father’s will (John 6:38). That is also to be the purpose of every Christian

9. The Purpose of Jesus Luke 9:51-56; Matthew 8:19-22 Jesus set out for Jerusalem though He knew it would antagonize His enemies - part of leading to His passion The rejection of the Samaritan village incensed James and John and they wanted vengeance

10. The Purpose of Jesus Luke 9:51-56; Matthew 8:19-22 Luke 9:55-56 - Jesus’ purpose was to seek and save the lost, not destroy them. Christians are to yield their vengeance to God and instead seek the salvation of even their enemies

11. The Cost of Following Jesus Luke 9:56-62; Matthew 8:19-22 Jesus meets many people on His way to Jerusalem, but He is not a politician seeking followers Matthew 8:19 - the man is a humble scribe This scribe makes a statement of unconditional allegiance to Jesus

12. The Cost of Following Jesus Luke 9:56-62; Matthew 8:19-22 The cost must be considered before there can be a true commitment to follow Luke 9:58 - Jesus explains to the Scribe what it would mean to follow Him  The life of an itinerant preacher

13. The Cost of Following Jesus Luke 9:56-62; Matthew 8:19-22 “Son of Man” = Messiah cf. Daniel 7:13 & Matthew 26:64 There is no record the Scribe did follow Jesus - the cost was too high. That is still a common response today

14. The Cost of Following Jesus Luke 9:59-60; Matthew 8:21-22 Jesus called a man to follow Him, but the man wanted to bury his father first Perhaps the man had just received word his father had died and had not yet left for home – or was on his way home

15. The Cost of Following Jesus Luke 9:59-60; Matthew 8:21-22 Perhaps the man was referring to helping in his father’s business until his death, then getting the inheritance Jesus knew the heart of the man and challenged him on the very point that would block him from following

16. The Cost of Following Jesus Luke 9:59-60; Matthew 8:21-22 When Jesus commands us to follow, it is time to go and nothing else is more important - Matthew 10:37

17. The Cost of Following Jesus Luke 9:61-62 A nearly silly request for a man who already left home and was on his way to Jerusalem To plow a straight furrow, you must keep your eyes fixed straight ahead at a target spot

18. The Cost of Following Jesus Luke 9:61-62 To follow Jesus, you must keep your focus on Him for you will veer away if you look elsewhere The cost is high to follow him, but there is nothing more important

19. The Cost of Following Jesus Luke 9:61-62 You must be willing to go where He sends you and trust Him to provide Walking with the Lord takes priority over everything else Once you begin to walk with the Lord, keep looking forward so that you will not stray

20. Conclusions The allurement of this world keeps some people from following Jesus The fear of rejection by family or friends keeps others from following Jesus Do not allow these things to block you - Jesus’ claims are true, what will you do?

21. Conclusions The sacrifices are worth it! Do not make excuses or be hesitant to follow Jesus

22. Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ