In a mandarin sermon today in Citilight Community Church, preaching from Luke 22, the pastor 鄧牧师（Rev Winston) listed down 5 main stories to illustrate the cost of discipleship...
The cost of discipleship, as illustrated through these five aspects from Luke 22, can be summarized as follows:
1. Loyalty and Resisting Temptation
The event of Judas betraying Jesus (Luke 22:1-6) highlights that being a disciple involves facing material and other worldly temptations. Remaining loyal to one's faith requires sacrifice. Unlike Judas, who betrayed Jesus for financial gain, a true disciple must hold firmly to their faith and resist external temptations. This steadfastness may mean giving up worldly benefits and enduring hardship.
2. Courage and Endurance Under Pressure
Peter's denial of Jesus (Luke 22:54-62) demonstrates that disciples must acknowledge their faith even when under pressure, fear, or the threat of persecution and rejection. Maintaining faith in difficult circumstances takes courage, and disciples must not deny their beliefs out of fear. This shows that discipleship requires the cost of courage and the willingness to face pressure and potential consequences.
3. Humility, Self-Denial, and Sacrifice
The dispute among the disciples over who is the greatest (Luke 22:24-27) indicates the need to reject worldly views of power and status. Discipleship involves learning humility and prioritizing serving others, embodying self-sacrifice. This internal transformation goes against natural human desires and ambitions, requiring significant personal cost.
4. Understanding Redemption and Being Vigilant
The Passover meal (Luke 22:7-23) represents Jesus as the new Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice brings salvation. Disciples must understand the depth of this redemptive act and stay vigilant, ensuring they do not, like Judas, succumb to betrayal. This calls for inner awareness and perseverance even when faced with internal struggles or betrayals within the faith community.
5. Fulfilling the Mission and Building Fellowship
The teaching on the Last Supper and mission (Luke 22:28-38) underscores the importance of forming a deep bond with Jesus through the Eucharist while remembering the mission to spread the Gospel. This mission may involve facing hardships, but disciples can rely on God's support. Disciples must commit to spreading the faith through action and strengthening relationships within the community. This dedication to the mission and fellowship involves readiness for sacrifice and resilience.
In summary, being a disciple requires loyalty, courage, humility, vigilance, and a commitment to the mission, each with its inherent costs and challenges. Prayer: Dear Lord,
Grant me the strength to be faithful and the courage to stand firm in my faith. Help me to serve with humility, resist temptation, and fulfill the mission You have set before me. Keep my heart vigilant and my spirit committed to Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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