Daily Devotional for Thursday, November 5
The Cost of Following Jesus
Matthew 20:20-23
“But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able,” Matthew 20:22.
Mothers want the best for their children. Usually, they are good advocates for their children. However, there is a point when parental advocacy goes too far. I am certain that the story in our passage today is one of those times. James and John’s mother had approached Jesus asking for special consideration for her sons. She wanted them seated in Heaven with Jesus, one on the left and one on the right. It seems odd to me that right after Jesus talked about His upcoming suffering, she was there seeking thrones for her sons.
Jesus was quick to remind them that they were unclear on how things worked in His kingdom. His discussion about His upcoming suffering may still have been in their ears as Jesus asked them if they were willing and able to suffer as He would. They answered that question affirmatively. We should each ask ourselves that same question.
We may never be tortured or killed on Jesus’ behalf. We may never lose our jobs and possessions because of our faith. Yet, following Jesus will require sacrifice. Jesus’ work on our behalf was sacrificial in a very literal sense; our work for Him should be sacrificial as well.
What does that mean in our lives? First and foremost, it means forgetting your grand plans for your life and getting on board with God’s. Second, it means not turning your back on God’s plans when it hurts. If we only follow Jesus when it is fun, that is not sacrifice; we must follow Him when it is inconvenient. Are you able to drink from the same cup from which Jesus drank?
Just a Thought
Jesus will not be handing out free crowns in Heaven; to obtain them will take effort and dedication to His work.
Wally Fry