Oh, Disciple, Count the Cost ~ Christine Malkemes

*Cost of Being a Disciple (Luke 14:25-35)*

We are followers of Christ, but first and foremost, we are sister disciples. If you want God to lead then, you must be willing to go. If you want Jesus to teach you, then you must be ready to learn.

Listen to the Heart of a Disciple

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a disciple of Christ – he also plotted to kill Hitler and eliminate the death and dying of the innocent. However, when he learned he would be executed, he left these words behind for all of us who take discipleship seriously:

“You must never doubt that I’m traveling with gratitude and cheerfulness along the road where I’m being led. My past life is brim-full of God’s goodness, and my sins are covered by the forgiving love of Christ crucified.”

Bonhoeffer refused to make Hitler first above Christ. There was no “Hail Hitler” on his lips, and his hands were raised to praise Jesus, not a man. We could spend hours discussing his justification to plot Hitler’s death. But the truth is he faced evil without flinching because he had counted the cost. 

We see here in Luke that the crowds gathered around Jesus. We know, from history, that Hitler crowds gathered around Hitler too. Is there much difference between the crowds?

Were there any disciples in the crowds?

It is the nature of human beings for self-gain: “What’s in it for me?”

So the crowds came in droves to be healed, fed, and in some cases, tested Jesus. 

The answer to that question is a mystery. But at that moment and in that place, Jesus addresses their motives and asks them to count the cost.

In the power of the Holy Spirit and beauty of Sacred Scripture, we hear Him speak to our souls, “Are you prepared to be more than a follower” Are you ready to be My disciple?”

What’s the Cost?

Now is the time to be honest with ourselves. A disciple must love their family less and love Jesus more. More than a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, we are His disciples. He must become more and us less.

It’s a hard saying and an even harder truth. 

How many, like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, will step out of the crowd to relinquish all rights to self. 

Who Can Call Themselves a Disciple?

Anyone can call themselves a follower of Christ, but not everyone wholeheartedly follows. Not everyone bows in humble adoration to yield her heart to God. The mark of a disciple is relinquishing all rights to self.

The cost was too high. The crowd returns home, and Jesus is left waiting for us to join him as authentic disciples. You are His treasured follower and most precious disciple. 

When it comes to Christ, it is worth the cost. His love covers a multitude of sins, and His grace leads us to an intimate relationship. His mighty hand calms your trembling soul and wipes away your tears.

The Master, Oh sister-disciple, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. 

Count the Cost

In truth, it cost you nothing compared to the higher cost of Christ. He is our Resurrection and Life. Because of His great love, we can trust Him and trust Him wholeheartedly. 

Nothing will separate us from His love.

Listen to Dietrich Bonhoeffer as he encourages us across time and space:

“When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die. It may be a death like that of the first disciples who had to leave home and work to follow Him, or it may be a death like Luther’s, who had to leave the monastery and go out into the world. But it is the same death every time – death in Jesus Christ, the death of the old man at His call.”

*Rise up, Oh sister-disciple, God is calling. Are you ready?*