As a young child, Missionary Nathan spent the first eight years of his life in Pennsylvania. He dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player, spending countless hours throwing a tennis ball against the brick wall of his family home, imagining the roar of the crowd and the lights of the stadium. Years later, while attending a small secular university in Georgia, the opportunity for baseball tryouts finally arose. After counting the cost in time, finances, pain, and pride, he chose not to attend. That experience taught him a valuable lesson: dreams are easy to claim until the price must be paid.
Brother Nathan challenged the congregation to consider not baseball, but something far more significant: the cost of following Jesus. Many believers claim they want to follow Christ and desire to do more for Him. Yet when opportunities to serve arise, they often hesitate. Drawing from Luke chapter 9, the missionary examined three encounters Jesus had with men who expressed a desire to follow Him. These accounts call for honest self-examination, not to discourage anyone from following Jesus, but to ensure commitment is genuine.
A Financial Price
In Luke 9:57-58, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
The parallel passage in Matthew identifies this man as a scribe, essentially a lawyer and expert in the Old Testament law. Missionary Nathan explained that this individual likely viewed following Jesus as a way to advance his career by associating with a popular teacher who drew crowds of five thousand. Jesus confronted his motives directly, emphasising the lack of earthly security that accompanies true discipleship. Following Jesus may require surrendering financial stability, steady income, or material comforts. From a human perspective, there can be a genuine financial cost. Yet from God’s perspective, believers exchange uncertainty for divine provision.
As Philippians 4:19 promises, But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Matthew 6:33 adds, But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Following Jesus is not trading something good for something lesser; it is trusting what is in God’s hands rather than one’s own.
A Familial Price
Luke 9:59-60 records another encounter: And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
Missionary Nathan noted that this man’s request sounded reasonable but revealed a heart that placed family responsibilities ahead of obedience to Christ. Jesus must hold first place in every believer’s life. While loving one’s family is good and biblical, family demands must never take precedence over God’s call.
Matthew 10:37 states clearly, He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. As missionaries serving in Chile, Nathan and his wife Christine have experienced this cost deeply, missing time with grandparents, family gatherings, and significant life events. Yet God remains faithful, and placing Christ first ultimately strengthens families rather than weakens them.
A Faithfulness Price
The third man in Luke 9:61-62 said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. Jesus responded, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Missionary Nathan explained that this was not a simple goodbye but an attempt to delay full commitment, likely tied to practical responsibilities such as the planting season on a farm. Jesus demands wholehearted faithfulness, not part-time devotion. Just as a farmer cannot plough a straight furrow while looking back, believers cannot follow Jesus effectively if their hearts remain divided.
Following Christ requires daily commitment, much like a soldier who remains faithful when the battle rages. It is not merely a Sunday or Wednesday activity but a lifelong pursuit empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The Reward of Following Jesus
Mark 10:29-30 offers this promise from the Lord Jesus: Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
Those who pay the price experience God’s abundant provision, a deeper spiritual family, and eternal reward. Missionary Nathan shared how God has provided “a hundred houses” through the hospitality of supporting churches and turned fellow believers into grandparents for their children.
For those who have never trusted Christ as Saviour, no price is required. Jesus paid it all on the cross. For believers, the call remains clear: count the cost and follow wholeheartedly. The rewards far outweigh any sacrifice.
Conclusion
Following Jesus is not always easy, but it is always worth it. He does not call His people to a life of regret but to one of purpose, provision, and eternal significance. Whatever the cost in finances, family relationships, or daily faithfulness, His promises stand true. The challenge presented in this message is clear: will each believer put their hand to the plough and follow Him without looking back? The decision belongs to every Christian, and the reward is certain.
