John 2:23-25. What can we learn about commitment and faith from these verses? Luke 14:28-30. Have you counted the cost of following Jesus? Do you want to follow Him?

From John 2:23-25, we can learn that commitment and faith are not always easy. The people believed in Jesus when they saw the signs He performed, but Jesus knew their hearts and did not entrust Himself to them because He knew they were not truly committed to Him. This teaches us that true commitment and faith in Jesus require more than just witnessing miracles or hearing His teachings - it requires a deep, personal relationship with Him.

In Luke 14:28-30, Jesus tells us to count the cost of following Him. He uses the analogy of a builder who must first calculate the cost of building a tower before starting construction. Similarly, we must consider the sacrifices and challenges that come with following Jesus before making the decision to commit our lives to Him. Following Jesus may require us to give up certain comforts, relationships, or desires, but the rewards of eternal life and a relationship with Him far outweigh any temporary sacrifices.

Have you counted the cost of following Jesus? Do you want to follow Him? These are important questions for every believer to consider. Following Jesus requires a wholehearted commitment and willingness to surrender our own desires and plans for His will. It may not always be easy, but the rewards of a deep relationship with Him and eternal life far surpass any temporary struggles we may face. Ultimately, the decision to follow Jesus is a personal one that each individual must make for themselves.

John 2:23-25

"Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man."

Commitment and Faith

- Commitment is based on evidence. People believed in Jesus because they witnessed the miraculous signs He performed.
- True commitment goes beyond outward actions. Jesus didn't commit Himself to those who believed solely based on signs because He knew they needed a deeper understanding of Him.
- Faith requires a relationship with Jesus. He knew the hearts of those who approached Him and discerned whether they genuinely believed in Him or had ulterior motives.

Luke 14:28-30

"For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish'?"

Counting the Cost of Discipleship

- Following Jesus requires sacrifice and commitment. Jesus warned that those who desire to follow Him must be willing to give up their personal ambitions and wealth.
- We must carefully consider the implications before making a commitment. Discipleship is a lifelong journey that involves challenges and persecution.
- True faith is not based on impulsive emotions but on a calculated decision. We must count the cost and be prepared to endure whatever comes with following Jesus.

Have I Counted the Cost of Following Jesus?

- Do I understand and accept the sacrifices and challenges involved in following Jesus?
- Am I willing to give up my personal ambitions and comforts for the sake of His kingdom?
- Do I have a genuine desire to obey His teachings and live a life that glorifies Him?

If you have considered the cost and are willing to follow Jesus despite the challenges, then you are ready to embark on an incredible journey of faith and purpose.