So the first memory verse was Luke 9:23-24
And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, and come after me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it. But whoever loses his life for my sake, he is the one who will save it." - Luke 9:23-24
The new memory verse is Luke 9:62
But Jesus said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:62
What do these verses say about being a disciple?
What does it mean to deny yourself?
Is this a standard we need to meet?
If so, do we measure up?
What is required of a disciple?
What is the cost?
These are just some questions we discussed in the class, so have fun trying to wrap your mind around this.
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I had to read 9:62 in context to understand it. I also read it with Jason and discussed it with him. At first, he didn't understand why Jesus wouldn't let the man go back and say goodbye to his family, but I explained it as you need to be completely devoted to Jesus, foresaking all others for Him. If you're going to be with Him, be WITH Him. Don't make excuses, don't put it off, it's going to be harder than you can imagine, but it'll be worth it.
Denying yourself means considering yourself unimportant. We do need to meet this standard, and we don't. We usually look out for number one.
A disciple is required to be fully devoted with no thought of reward. Sometimes the Bible explains that our reward is in Heaven, but I don't think that should be why we serve God. We need to serve God because that is what is required of us. That's not even an option. He saved us, and if we choose to take His gift, we are telling God that we will follow Him. Most of us just say "Hey, thanks God. See ya in Heaven."
The cost is everything we are told we should want. (Told by other humans) "The American Dream" blinds us. We are supposed to want the great job, a cool car, a nice house, a family, a dog, a hobby. We are to forget about that. It's only temporary anyway. Spreading the Word of God is permanent. It saves souls, and what is more important than that?
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