IS JESUS WORTH THE COST?
Beloved, let me ask you a difficult question: What does it cost you to follow Jesus?
For many of us, following Christ may cost us comfort, relationships, or opportunities. But for believers in other parts of the world, following Jesus can cost them their lives. According to Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List, during the 12-month reporting period from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, 4,849 Christians were reported killed worldwide for their faith. Of those, 3,490 were in Nigeria—nearly 72%. (Open Doors Finland)
Let that sink in: nearly three out of every four Christians reported killed for their faith worldwide during that period were in Nigeria.
Those numbers are sobering, but they remind us of a truth Jesus never tried to hide: following Him can come with a cost. Jesus never promised that discipleship would always be comfortable, convenient, or safe. Instead, He said in Matthew 16:24, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
The cross was never a symbol of convenience. It was a symbol of surrender.
So maybe the question isn’t only, “Would I die for Jesus?” Maybe the greater question for us today is, “Will I live for Him?”
Will I stand for Christ when it’s unpopular? Will I obey when obedience costs me something? Will I speak His name when silence would be easier?
Beloved, let us remember our persecuted brothers and sisters. They aren’t simply statistics in distant countries. They are our family in Christ.
Jesus gave everything for us. What are we willing to give for Him?
Revelation 2:10 says, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”
For some believers, following Jesus means rejection and sacrifice. For others, it may mean laying down their very lives. But the question for every believer remains the same:
Have we decided that Jesus is worth the cost?
Beloved, don’t just ask yourself, “Would I die for Jesus?” Ask the question that confronts us every single day:
“Am I willing to live for Him?”
Because before we can lay down our lives for Christ, we must first surrender the life we’re living to Christ.
Pray with me: Lord Jesus, strengthen Your persecuted Church. Comfort grieving families, protect Your people, and give us the courage to live boldly for You. In Jesus’ name we pray, believe, receive, and praise. Amen.
4GIVEN 