“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”” (Matthew 2:1–2, HCSB)
Wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”” If we are going to follow Jesus, it will cost us greatly. Consider these kings as our example.
If they came from the old Medo-Persian Empire, where Daniel had seeded the information about Judaism, bringing the Law, Poetry, and the writings of the Prophets (including his own) to the King’s advisors and wise men, then these men would had traveled over 1,200 miles to worship “the King of the Jews.”
When we think about travel in ancient times, the lack of any modern conveniences, the heat of the desert in the day and the chilling cold at night, the need to pack everything you need for the trip, not to mention the need for your own security services because of the dangers, just seeking to meet Jesus was very costly.
Cost is always a part of the narrative of following Jesus though. Time and again Jesus called people to the high cost of following him. For example, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:26–27, HCSB)
While theologians and well-meaning preachers try to soften Jesus’ call for commitment, the fact is Jesus is either our King, and worthy to be willingly served, or He is not. The choice is ours.
Today, as you look deep into your soul, consider whether you are willingly paying the price to follow and serve Jesus. If these men felt that meeting Him as a babywas worth such a drastic price, how much more should we consider paying a greater pricefor following Him?
Now, break out in praise to the One to whom you are willing to follow and serve no matter the cost so that you can reach the lost!
Willing Worker Wednesdays are dedicated to explaining the core realities of servant leadership – the Biblical principles and methods used by God’s faithful people throughout time. They further reflect the lifestyle of Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords as He walked on this earth announcing the Kingdom of God had arrived. These brief lessons are written by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Executive Director of Eagles In Leadership, and come from his extensive ministry within the local church, in higher education, in church consulting and as a Biblical author and leader. He welcomes your comments below.
