The Rewards of Discipleship
Jesus left His disciples with no doubt that following Him would require sacrifice. He was totally up front with them in regard to what they should expect.
What did Jesus promise as far as immediate or short-term reward for following Him as a disciple? Luke 9:57, 58; John 15:18-25. What specific "promise" did Jesus have for Peter? John 21:15-18. What does this tell us about the cost of following Christ?
The disciples, except Judas, eventually became the apostles. From the first chapters of the book of Acts, it is clear that these men had learned many lessons. They had been with Jesus and now, with the power of the Spirit, they were able to deal with opposition and persecution. Although we cannot totally be sure about the details, there is good reason to believe the strong traditions from the early church era which say that all apostles eventually suffered martyrdom. All supposedly suffered a violent death, except John, but his imprisonment on Patmos was not a luxurious vacation either. He also was a "brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in in Jesus" (Rev. 1:9, NIV).
What aspect of discipleship outweighs all suffering that might come our way as we follow Christ? John 10:10, Rom. 8:28-39.
Those who follow Christ will face numerous challenges. If they stay focused on their Master, they will be able to deal with whatever happens. They will have something that is precious beyond words. He gives them His peace, which is unlike the imperfect and transient kind of peace the world offers (John 14:27). It is the peace that transcends all understanding (Phil. 4:7). That peace is the hallmark of the abundant life that Christ gives to His disciples (John 10:10). In spite of all trials and temptations, this is the kind of life that satisfies at a level beyond the reach of those who choose to live without Christ.
And yet, even more so, faithful followers of Christ have the assurance of eternal life, the assurance that whatever they struggle with now can't be compared with the promise of eternity that awaits them.
| Read Romans 8:18. What hope and comfort can you draw from this promise for yourself? Why should it tell you to never, never give up? |
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