Sermons

Mark 10:28-31

Cost of following Jesus

Peter says that he has left everything and followed Jesus. Look what is
the background of this statement. What had happened just previously?
What is Peter aiming at with this statement?

Jesus answers by stating what kind of things are left and what is the
reward.
Which one sounds more painful to leave, wealth or family?
Think about what meant by this "leaving". How did the disciples leave?
Have you left something for Jesus and his gospel? Do you know people who
have lost their family for the sake of Jesus? Discuss examples of these
losses. Discuss how painful it may be. These people carry the pain for
the rest of their life.

Use this exercise to evaluate your life. What would be the most
difficult things to give up? What the order of values in your life? Is
Jesus worth losing everything? Would you be ready to pay the cost?

Jesus gives a surprising promise of a 100-fold compensation in this
life. How can you understand this? Does this look real according to your
observation? What are these 100 homes, 100 mothers, fathers, brothers,
sisters and children?

Strangely Jesus adds that persecution comes with this compensation. Rich
compensation with pain. It sounds as if now you will be suffering a
100-fold loss. What does this mean? Who are your 100 brothers with
persecution? What kind of invitation is this?

Eternal life is just a short note added. Why is this aspect so lightly
addressed?

Finally Jesus says that first will be last and last will be first. What
kind of hint or code is this? Jesus uses this expression often. What
does it tell about the way Jesus thinks as compared to the value systems
of this world?