Mark 10: 23-34
Special Verse
Mark 10:28
Peter began to say to him, “We have left everything and followed you.”
Salvation is the free gift of God—but discipleship will cost you everything. Anyone who chooses to follow Jesus must surrender their own life and place Him above all else. Jesus does not compete for second place; He is either Lord of all or not Lord at all.
Many Christians struggle in their walk with God because they have never fully surrendered. They keep looking back—back to old habits, old desires, old identities—and wonder why the journey feels burdensome. But when you truly grasp the abundant life Jesus offers, the appeal of sin begins to fade. Why cling to darkness when the Light of the world stands before you?
Consider this:
The devil is a cruel taskmaster. His only agenda is to steal, kill, and destroy. In contrast, Jesus offers life—real life, overflowing life. No Christian should find the enemy’s offerings attractive once they understand the richness of what Jesus gives.
When Jesus called His disciples, He made the cost unmistakably clear:
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”
He knows that until you die to self—your ego, desires, comforts, and preferences—you will live in constant inner conflict. Self always resists surrender.
Look at the disciples’ response:
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Andrew and Peter immediately left behind their nets, their boats, and even their father (Luke 5).
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Matthew, a tax collector, rose from his lucrative desk and walked away from the life he knew (Mark 2:14).
Why? Because they had a revelation of who Jesus truly is.
Only disciples can make such radical decisions.
Sadly, many Christians today are converts—saved, but not surrendered; believers, but not followers.
A Heart-Searching Question
What has following Jesus cost you?
You cannot experience the glorious liberty of a true disciple while still holding tightly to your old life.
But when you lay your life down—your plans, your ambitions, your comfort—you begin to live His.
And His life is freedom.
His life is power.
His life is joy.
Are you a disciple—or just a convert?
Father, today I surrender every part of my life to You. Teach me what it truly means to follow Jesus. I denounce every attachment, fear, or distraction that keeps me from full obedience. I receive the grace to deny myself, pick up my cross, and walk as a true disciple. Let my life reflect Your glory and not my own desires. I choose Your will over mine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.