The Rt Rev Colin Sinclair describes the cost of following Jesus.

IN this season of Remembrance, it is worth remembering how sacrifice and service are built into the life of faith. Becoming a disciple of Jesus was then and still is, no small commitment.

In Jesus’ time, people would sometimes ask a Rabbi if they might follow him. In so doing they were not asking to enrol on a course, attend a series of lectures, or take an exam. Instead, they were asking to journey with their Rabbi wherever he went, watching him both in public and in private. The Rabbi, meanwhile, was careful to choose only men, and only those who had the best education, as their following would reflect on him.

Jesus’ approach was quite different. He initiated the invitation, and he called men and women, irrespective of their background, education, or, to the untrained eye, promise. However, he still called for a complete commitment. The follower of a Rabbi was meant to walk so close to their Master to observe every aspect of his life and speech that they ought to get the dust he kicked up onto their clothes as he walked!

So, for his followers, Jesus became their Rabbi, their master and teacher. They became listeners, followers, observers and imitators. Other things, important and precious as they might be, must take a lesser place. To consider him worthy of our first and best endeavours in no way belittles all that must come second.

It was only as time passed, when the disciples began to realise who he might be, that he began to speak of what lay ahead. No sooner had Peter confessed Jesus to be the one long-looked for, not merely a prophet but the Messiah, then Jesus spoke of the future for him and therefore also for them. The way of Jesus would involve cross-carrying; in other words, dying to self. For some it would involve actual martyrdom, and for many it involved a series of little deaths, as they put others first and God’s glory above all.

Such a commitment is not to be made quickly, or casually. It requires an honest assessment of whether Jesus is worth following. By themselves, novelty, excitement, or sentiment will not be enough. To live counter-culturally, going against the tide, being part of a misunderstood minority, year after year, is not an easy option. It is only when you are convinced that Jesus is unique – the key to life’s meaning and purpose – that you will be willing to pay so high a price.

“Other things, important and precious as they might be, must take a lesser place. To consider him worthy of our first and best endeavours in no way belittles all that must come second.

Jesus encourages any and all would-be followers to count the cost. A builder weighs up the costs of construction and ensures that he has the material, human and financial resources to finish the job. A king assesses his military options and likelihood of success before risking his forces in battle. A completed structure and a victory won come only with costly commitment. There is no middle way, no compromise to be negotiated.

When you start to play a musical instrument or learn a language you need to ask if you have the perseverance to see it through. If you want to excel in a sport you must be willing to undertake the training and hard work it will entail. When you choose a life partner in marriage you do so for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness or in health. In all these cases, those who make such choices never feel they have lost out.

Jesus promised that those who lose their life for his sake and the gospel would find it. Many would testify to that being true in their experience.

The Rt Rev Colin Sinclair is Moderator of the General Assembly in 2019/20 and is minister at Edinburgh: Palmerston Place.