Following Jesus: Embracing Sacrifice and Surrender for Eternal Impact

Bonhoeffer’s Legacy of Conviction and Sacrifice

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was one of the most influential theologians of the 20th century. Though he preached many sermons, he is remembered most for his courageous stand against both the Nazis and the established church in Germany. Shortly after his 39th birthday, his convictions cost him his life. Bonhoeffer clearly understood the cost of making disciples.

If there’s one message that Jesus taught His disciples as He neared the end of His earthly ministry, it’s that following Him requires sacrifice. In His final few months, Jesus made it abundantly clear that His path was leading to the cross (Luke 9.22 ESV).

Counting the Cost of Being a Disciple

There was a legitimate cost associated with being a disciple of Jesus. Luke 9.23 ESV says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Following Jesus requires us to put aside our selfish interests and allow God’s Kingdom agenda to take priority in our lives. In short, a disciple of Jesus should be prepared for suffering, sacrifice, and self-denial.

If you plan to invest in a few and multiply your influence in the lives of others, you should prepare for a paradigm shift. Instead of setting your sights on accomplishing temporary goals, you’ll need to focus on God’s eternal purpose. Instead of trying to secure your own comfort and convenience, you’ll need to fully obey Jesus’ commission.

A Life That Yields a Harvest

In John 12.24 NLT, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels – a plentiful harvest of new lives.” When Jesus sacrificed His life, He brought salvation to many. In the same way, when you die to yourself and put His plans above your own, God can use your life to affect eternity.

Paul’s Bold Example of Surrender and Devotion

This was the conviction that drove the Apostle Paul to work as hard as he did. In Galatians 2.20 ESV, he wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ lives in me.” Later, as he awaited trial for proclaiming the truth of the gospel, Paul wrote the church in Philippi, “For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better” Philippians 1.20 NLT.

Paul counted the cost and made up his mind to live for Jesus, no matter what came his way. His work still bears fruit today. When you give up your vision for your life and trust God’s vision instead, you have no idea what God might do through you.

This blog originally appeared at: Following Jesus: Embracing Sacrifice and Surrender for Eternal Impact – discipleFIRST and features an excerpt from one of their Student Series books, Invest In A Few.