Making Sense of Jesus – Requires Gaining Nothing

Based on the following Scripture: Luke 9:57–62; Luke 19:28–40

Intro

The last several weeks, we’ve been trying to make sense of Jesus. We are learning what it takes to truly follow Him.

• Requires Change
• Requires a Covenant
• Requires Christ’s Authority
• Requires Being Last
• Requires Allies (Unity)

This series is not just a teaching—it is a training.

Teaching gives knowledge.

Training prepares us for deployment.

Entering Holy Week

Today, we step into Holy Week—a sacred time on the Christian calendar when we reflect on the passion of Christ. This includes His suffering, rejection, and ultimate sacrifice.

Each day reminds us of the cost of discipleship.

Yet we are also reminded of this truth:

When Jesus is lifted up, He draws all people to Himself.

Why? Because He desires to save us from ourselves and redeem us into His Kingdom.

What It Means to Follow Jesus

Today, we gain a deeper understanding of what it truly means to follow Christ.

If we are going to make sense of Jesus, it requires gaining nothing on this side of heaven.

We don’t follow Him for:

• Popularity
• Prestige
• Possessions
• Position
• Status

Following Jesus means being possessed by His Kingdom, not possessing the things of this world.

A Picture of Sacrifice

My father is nearly 91 years old. This past week, he received recognition for his military service—a pin, a piece of the American flag, and a certificate honoring his sacrifice.

Those who sacrifice are honored because they are willing to do what others will not.

In the same way, we are called to be sent out as disciples of Jesus.

From Cheers to Jeers

As Jesus enters Jerusalem on what we celebrate as Palm Sunday, the crowds cheer:

“Hosanna in the highest!”

But within days:

• Cheers turn to jeers
• Praise turns to criticism
• Followers scatter

Jesus stands alone to bear the cross of Calvary.

The question is:

Who will you be when rejection comes?

Understanding the Cost

If we are going to make sense of Jesus, we must understand His suffering—and our calling.

Many enjoy the benefits of following Jesus, but resist the burden of discipleship.

This is the crossroads:

• Many want to follow
• Few are willing to lead
• Even fewer are willing to sacrifice

1. Everyone Wants to Win with Jesus

Look at the crowds—many wanted to be part of what Jesus was doing.

But in Luke 9:57–62, we see three individuals who wanted to follow… until they understood the cost.

When commitment became real, they stepped back.

This is still true today.

Many prefer to stay on the periphery rather than step onto the front lines.

2. Everyone Must Count the Cost

We all ask:

• Is it worth the risk?
• Is it worth the sacrifice?
• Is it worth the responsibility?

Jesus makes it clear:

No one should follow without first counting the cost.

• No one builds a house without a plan
• No one joins a commitment without understanding it
• No one takes a trip without preparation

Discipleship requires:

• Sacrifice
• Surrender
• Service

Salvation is simple.

Surrender is serious.

3. No Turning Back

Jesus calls for full commitment.

There are no shortcuts to discipleship.

We must carry the cross.

The three examples in Luke 9 reveal common excuses:

A. Fame

One man wanted recognition.

Jesus responded:

“The Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

Following Jesus is not about fame—it is about faithfulness.

“True discipleship is a willingness to embrace hardship and discomfort if that is what God wills.”

— Daniel Ploof

Read more

B. Fortune

Another man prioritized security and family.

Jesus pointed to priorities:

“Seek first the Kingdom of God…” (Matthew 6:33)

Jesus is not dismissing family—He is aligning priorities.

God first.

Others second.

Self last.

C. Future

A third man wanted to delay—“Let me first go say goodbye.”

But delay often leads to disengagement.

“The longer we hesitate, the more likely we are to walk away.”

— Daniel Ploof

Jesus calls for immediate and total commitment.

4. Even the Rocks Will Cry Out

Fast forward to Luke 19—Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly.

Crowds celebrate.

Palm branches wave.

Praise fills the air.

But the Pharisees demand silence.

Jesus responds:

“If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out!” (Luke 19:40)

Even creation recognizes the King.

At His death, the earth shook.

At His resurrection, the stone rolled away.

A Warning About “Me First” Faith

Pastor Paul LeBoutillier reminds us:

We must fight the natural pull to put ourselves first.

Following Jesus requires surrendering self-centered living.

Keeping Our Eyes Forward

David Guzik writes:

“A farmer plows straight by focusing ahead, not looking back.”

To follow Jesus:

• Keep your eyes forward
• Stay committed
• Hold on

Jesus Himself modeled this:

“He set His face toward Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:51)

Conclusion

If we see Jesus as only a hero, we miss the point.

We do not follow Him for:

• Fame
• Fortune
• Future gain

We follow Him because:

• Our sins are forgiven
• Our lives are redeemed
• Our eternity is secure

Jesus Christ is:

• Crucified
• Buried
• Risen
• Coming again

Final Reflection

Luke 19:39–40

“If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out!”

Closing Worship

Watch this short message as you reflect on the cost—and the calling—of following Jesus:

Or open directly:

👉 https://youtu.be/KqPHuO__xYU

Closing Thought

Making sense of Jesus…

Requires gaining nothing—so that we may gain everything in Him.