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Oct 18, 2023 18:30pm

Is Jesus Worth It?

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It’s it worth it? That’s the question we’re asking this morning.

I could ask it of a mother who holds her sweet baby in her arms. Would she have foregone this child to not suffer the pain of childbirth?

A precious young woman comes to mind. At a young age she had been diagnosed with cancer. They told her it would be nearly impossible for her to conceive and bear a child. It would be extremely detrimental to her health. But even weighing all the costs, she knew she had to try. She had a son, and the joy that she felt was evident, even amongst the pain. It was worth it.

Those who struggle with infertility and go through months and sometimes years of being poked with needles and disappointments time after time, they would tell you, it’s worth it.

Luke 12:49-53

“I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.”

Verse 49 speaks of fire on the earth. This is referring to persecution. He was warning His followers about what was to come. And this fire had already been kindled. It was burning within the hearts of the Jews that were seeking ways to kill Jesus, to be rid of Him.

He then speaks of a baptism. This refers to His death, the death of crucifixion on the cross. Remember when James and John asked Jesus if they could sit on both sides of Jesus in His kingdom? Jesus asked if they could be baptized with the same baptism as Him. Meaning, the death that was to come.

The death. The crucifixion on the cross. The excruciating pain and torture. And the separation from God as He took on the sins of the world.

Jesus, knowing what was to come, asked God if there were any other way. And in the same moment said, thy will be done. He was saying, whatever it costs, I’ll do it. No matter the pain. If you asked Him today, ”was it worth it”? He would look at His children and undoubtedly declare a resounding yes.

Jesus wasn’t what everyone expected. From the Old Testament scriptures, they had envisioned a King who would rescue them from oppression, bring peace, and they would be His people. But they thought it would all happen on this earth, not the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus showed them the truth and it was far different than they expected. He wasn’t bringing peace to the earth for those that love Him, but rather persecution and division. Family member against family member. One would follow Jesus and the other would ostracize him from the family.

Would it be worth it?

Is it to you today? Have you counted the cost of following Jesus? What if it means losing your friends or family? What if it causes you to lose your job or brings about persecution, even death? Would it be worth it?

Just as a mother looks at her child in her arms, let your answer be a resounding yes.

The treasure that awaits is worth far more than the pains of this earth.

Follow Christ.