Why should you want to give up everything and follow Jesus? Maybe you are struggling to answer that question. Captured by the world, you don’t know why you would want to give up everything to follow Jesus. You think to yourself,
“The world offers so much – wealth, status, acceptance, a good time, freedom. After all, isn’t following Jesus limiting? Isn’t it devoid of fun? Why would I ever want to follow Jesus?”
Why should you want to give up everything and follow Jesus?
Jesus’ answer comes in the form of two parables. The Parable of Hidden Treasure and the Parable of the Pearl of Great Value.
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. (Matt. 13:44-46 ESV)
In both parables, costly treasure is found. The first man finds it buried in the ground. The second while looking for pearls. After finding their treasure, both liquidate all they own to acquire it.
It would be like you selling your: Land, cattle, house, furniture, clothing, cars, electronics, etc. Everything you have, you sell. Sentimental value doesn’t matter. The treasure is worth a lifetime of memories.
Why were these men willing to go to such extremes?
They were willing to sell everything, even doing it with joy, because they realized what they were getting. They realized the value of the treasure.
The treasure in the parables relates to the Kingdom of heaven. Through His teaching, Jesus tells us the Kingdom is worth more than all we possess. It’s the single most valuable thing in the world. It’s worth any consequence or suffering we might face because nothing we could own would bring us more joy and satisfaction. It’s worth everything!
Conclusion
To answer our question: Why should we want to give up everything to follow Jesus? Because His kingdom is more valuable than anything the world can offer.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you believe Jesus’ Kingdom is more valuable than anything this world can offer?
- Are you willing to give up everything to follow Jesus?
Resources
Post adapted from my most recent sermon Why Should You Want to Follow Jesus?
Christianity Matters 
Love the point about the value being higher than all our sentimental stuff. It puts it in perspective. I think – well – give all the money i have, but don’t touch all my stuff!
Well said Casey!
Yeah, that is right. We are willing to give our money, but our stuff means more to us than money sometimes. It can be tough to part with those things. But these guys gave it all up for the kingdom.
Blessings,
Casey
Reblogged this on A Mom Looking Up.
Thanks a lot.
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