A broken heart for being a sinner
📖 Luke 14:25–35 (NKJV) – Summary and Context
25 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them,
26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.
27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—
29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,
30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’
31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?
32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace.
33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.
34 “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?
35 It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
🔍 What Attracts People to Jesus? What Does the Text Say?
1. ”Great multitudes went with Him” (v. 25)
• Clearly, large crowds were attracted to Jesus.
• This often happened after miracles or powerful teaching (Luke 9:11, John 6:2).
• So, yes — people were often drawn more by what Jesus did than by who He truly was.
2. Jesus Confronts Their Motives Immediately
• Instead of celebrating the large crowd, Jesus turns and challenges them.
• He says hard things — “hate father and mother… bear your cross… forsake all…”
• Why? To filter out shallow followers drawn by spectacle, not surrender.
3. Jesus Forces the Question: Do You Want Me or Just the Benefits?
• The people likely saw:
* Healing
* Miracles
* Free food (John 6:26)
* Power over demons
• But Jesus was looking for those who truly wanted Him, not just His works.
🎯 Conclusion: Do They See Him or Just the Things Being Done?
• The crowds were initially drawn by what Jesus did — the miracles, teachings, and authority.
• But Jesus made it clear that being His disciple means seeing Him for who He is — Lord, Master, King — and counting the cost of following Him.
• True discipleship isn’t built on emotional excitement or external blessings, but on a deep commitment to Christ Himself, even when it costs everything.
🧠 Final Thought
Many see Jesus’ power, but few stay for His person.
True disciples don’t just want what Jesus can do — they want Jesus Himself, even if it means losing all else.
based on Luke 9:23–24 and Luke 14:25–35 (NKJV), Jesus gives us a very clear and demanding picture of what true discipleship looks like. Here are 10 traits or comments that describe someone who truly wants to follow Jesus:
✅ 10 Traits of Someone Who Truly Wants to Follow Jesus
1. They Deny Themselves Daily
They surrender their personal desires, ambitions, and comfort to align with God’s will every day (Luke 9:23).
2. They Carry Their Cross
They accept suffering, sacrifice, and even shame as part of their commitment to Christ (Luke 9:23, 14:27).
3. They Follow Jesus, Not Just His Works
They pursue Jesus Himself, not just what He can give (Luke 9:23; 14:25–26).
4. They Count the Cost Before Committing
They don’t enter discipleship lightly — they understand the seriousness and make an informed, wholehearted decision (Luke 14:28–30).
5. They Prioritize Jesus Above All Relationships
Their love for Jesus is so great, it makes even the deepest earthly loves look secondary (Luke 14:26).
6. They Are Willing to Forsake Everything
They hold nothing back — their possessions, plans, and lives are surrendered to Christ (Luke 14:33).
7. They Value Eternal Life Over This Life
They are willing to lose their life now to gain eternal life later (Luke 9:24).
8. They Persevere and Finish What They Start
They don’t just begin the Christian life; they endure and finish strong (Luke 14:29–30).
9. They Live with Purpose and Distinctiveness (Like Salt)
Their life has “flavor” — it makes a difference, and it reflects Christ (Luke 14:34–35).
10. They Listen Carefully and Respond Obediently
“He who has ears to hear, let him hear” — they take Jesus’ words seriously and live by them (Luke 14:35).
You have heard the good news of Jesus Christ, the gospel is for everyone.
Everyone who hears the gospel has a decision to make,
This is what I need more than anything this world has to offer.
I want an eternity with God, where my Spirit dwells with Jesus forever
Or I decline the love of God and choose the path of the world.
Seek out a real believer in Jesus Christ and ask and ask and ask questions.