Why does following Jesus cost so much?

In my thirty-two years of living on this planet there's one thing I learned extremely fast, nice things are expensive! In every area of life from nice restaurants, clothes and shoes to nice apartment homes, jewelry and cars, I learned that if something has great value, it also has a great price tag. Why is it that many of understand this principle in the world's system, but we can't understand it when it comes to the kingdom of God and specifically when it comes to discipleship?

This past Sunday I preached a message titled "Count the cost" where I gave two important reasons we should count the cost before choosing to follow the Lord Jesus Christ.

1.) To know what we're getting into

Jesus in Luke 14:25-27 says something pretty bizarre, well at least seemingly bizarre. He says to a large group of people who was following him, " If anyone comes to me and does not HATE his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers and sisters and yes even his own life, he cannot be my disciple" This would be a perfect time to insert " what you talking about Jesus"? If Jesus is known for one thing, it would have to be his love. The love he has for us as well as the love he commands us to have for each other. Knowing this why Christ in this passage is saying unless we hate those closest to us, we can't follow him? Easy, Jesus names the closest relationships a man has to simply make a powerful point. He's saying unless you are willing to choose me over ALL you hold dear, you aren't qualified to follow me. Our Lord desires his followers to know what they're getting into before following him that wat they won't have false expectations. Furthermore, he's making it clear that he's worth EVERYTHING to us, how do I know? because cost correlates with VALUE. Jesus is saying when the rubber meets the road, you need to be prepared to give it all up, because he's worth it! if the disciple doesn't see Jesus as Worth it, he won't make a good disciple at all think about it......Is he worth it to you?

2.) To spare yourself shame

Jesus continues after letting potential disciples know what to expect by saying " For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn't first sit down and figure out the cost, to see if he has enough to finish it" one of the easiest things to do in life is START something. We start businesses, education, families etc. Every year we start fresh with New Years resolution's only to not stay the course when our motivation dies. Jesus says to spare ourselves embarrassment, we should sit down and consider if we really want to be his disciples because he doesn't just want people to start with them.... he calls us to FINISH and finish strong. Runners finish strong by mentally preparing themselves before the race even begins! We must do the same! and when the going gets tough, our eyes have to be focused on the reward at the end! Hearing "Well done my good and faithful servant" Give discipleship all of your effort and strength because it's worth it and anything less sets you and me up for shame and regret when the Lord returns!