10. “Lessons in discipleship”                                                                        Mark 10:17-31

                                                                                                                                   13:9-13

                                                                                                                                    14:2-31

                                                                                                                                        66-72

COUNTING THE COST

 

Jesus made the issues plain:

 

1. It’s not easy to follow Jesus

 

a) There’ll be hindrances

            i.   Wealth, comfort, ease, security (10:17-22)

            ii.  Circumstances (Lk. 9:57-62)

 

b) There’ll be opposition (13:9-11)

            - Jesus had spelt it out (8:34,35)

            - Remember, Satan is the source of opposition (Eph. 6:12)

 

2. It’s possible to follow Jesus

 

a) Jesus presupposed it - He called disciples (1:16-20)

 

b) The disciples were proof of the fact - they followed (10:28-31)

 

c) Jesus makes it possible - it’s not merely our determination - think about Jn. 21:15-19

 

3. It’s fulfilling to follow Jesus

 

a) Jesus can take away worry and give joy and peace (13:11) - thin about Jn. 20:19-21

 

b) Jesus gives the only life worth living (8:34-37)

            - see Jn. 10:10

 

c) Jesus gives us physically and spiritually all we need (10:29,30)

 

4. Jesus wants us to follow Him all the way

 

a) Peter responded - there were many ups and downs from 1:1116,17 to 1 Peter 5:12

 

b) Paul had a similar experience (2 Tim. 4:6-8; 16-18)

 

c) It’s true today (Heb.13:5,6)

TALKING POINTS

 

10.  COUNTING THE COST                                                                       Mark 10:17-31

                                                                                                                                   13:9-13

                                                                                                                                   14:2-31,

                                                                                                                                        66-72

 

 

1.  How would you describe what it means to follow Jesus?

For example, is it always a joy?  What is it?

 

2.  What have you experienced which makes following Jesus tough at times?

 

Try recalling experiences of those who have come to Christ from Islam and Hinduism.  Get hold of the book “I dare to call Him Father” by Bilquis Sheikh (Kingsway).

 

How about those who have come to Christ in this country from non-Christian or nominally Christian families?

 

What encouragement does Mark 13:9-11 give?

 

3.  If the ultimate opposition is not from people but the devil, what attitude does that enable us to take to hostile people?  And how can we tackle the devil?  Think about Ephesians 6:10-18, and the guidance it gives.

 

4.  Remember Peter’s experience of letting Jesus down, and then being restored 

(Mark 14:29,30,66-72; John 21:15-19).  Share any experiences you may have had of failing Jesus.  What was involved in coming back and going on with the Lord Jesus?

 

5.  One of the sub-headings on the outline states: `Jesus gives the only life worth living’ (8:34-37) - see John 10:10.  Think about what this involves and how you would answer someone who said, `Being a Christian is a drag.  I get a real kick out of life.  Come away with us for the weekend, and you’ll really find out what life is about: anything goes.  It’s fantastic!’?