Developing Kingdom Leaders – Tom Yeakley

Play Hardball, Not Softball!

Jesus had provided free food to 5,000 people and attracted many with engaging parables and wonderful healings.  He knew many were superficial in their commitment to following Him and their understanding of discipleship.  Thus, He drew a very clear line in the sand on what it meant to follow Him.  The Bread of Life sermon in John 6:41-69 defined the cost of discipleship.

“Everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life,” He said.  “I am the bread that came down from heaven,” He continued, referring to the physical manna God had provided for wandering Israel in the desert.  “I am the bread of life…unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.  Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.”  The crowd grumbled as the cost of discipleship and His claims became clear. 

Jesus follows with, “Does this offend you?”  And John records, “From that time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him.” (v. 66)  Jesus defined the relationship and left it to the people to decide if they would pay the price to truly follow Him as His disciples.  Sadly, many walked away.

Note too that Jesus did not assume the Twelve would continue with Him.  He says to them, “You do not want to leave too, do you?”  Peter sums up their attitude, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life?” (v. 67-68)

Billy Graham said, “Salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you everything.”  Discipleship is not about joining a social club or seeking fun with your friends.  It’s choosing life over death and a total commitment to obey Jesus whatever He may ask, trusting His promise of the resurrection and eternal life.