Jesus Made It Easy For People To Leave and Hard To Follow (Clip)
Santosh Poonen explains how Jesus clearly presented the cost of discipleship, making it easy for people to leave but challenging for those truly committed to follow Him.
This sermon delves into the challenging yet inviting nature of following Jesus. It explores how Jesus made it easy for people to leave Him through His tough teachings, emphasizing the narrow gate and way that leads to life. The sermon highlights the continuous commitment required in denying oneself and taking up the cross daily, questioning if we are truly willing to embrace such a sacrificial journey. Jesus' response to those who wanted to leave serves as a reminder of the choice and commitment involved in following Him.
Full Transcript
Jesus made it easy for people to leave him by the way he preached and difficult if you really wanted to follow him. When people came he said, hey this is a tough life, I don't think you want to be here. There's a narrow gate and after that there's a narrow way.
It's not just one moment of squeezing and then a comfortable life. It's a lifetime of denying yourself and taking up your cross every day. Do you want that? And then when people wanted to leave he looked at the others who are left and says, you also want to leave? Here's a red carpet if you want to leave.
Now I'm not preaching at any of you, please understand. I'm not saying any of you should leave. But let's be a church that we're not trying to hold people.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Jesus presents the reality of the narrow gate
- Following Jesus is not a one-time decision but a lifelong commitment
- The cost of discipleship involves daily self-denial
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II
- Jesus makes it easy for people to leave
- He openly warns about the difficulties of following Him
- The choice to follow is voluntary and costly
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III
- Encouragement to the faithful who remain
- Understanding that not everyone will stay
- The church should not cling to people but foster genuine commitment
Key Quotes
“Jesus made it easy for people to leave him by the way he preached and difficult if you really wanted to follow him.” — Santosh Poonen
“It's not just one moment of squeezing and then a comfortable life. It's a lifetime of denying yourself and taking up your cross every day.” — Santosh Poonen
“Now I'm not preaching at any of you, please understand. I'm not saying any of you should leave. But let's be a church that we're not trying to hold people.” — Santosh Poonen
Application Points
- Evaluate your commitment to following Jesus daily with self-denial and perseverance.
- Encourage others in the church to understand the cost of discipleship honestly.
- Focus on fostering genuine faith rather than merely retaining church attendance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Jesus make it easy to leave?
Jesus honestly communicates the cost of following Him, allowing people to make a free and informed choice.
What does it mean to take up your cross daily?
It means committing to self-denial and living a life that reflects Jesus’ teachings every day.
Should the church try to hold onto people at all costs?
No, the church should encourage genuine faith rather than trying to retain people who are not truly committed.
Is following Jesus easy?
No, following Jesus involves challenges and requires a lifelong commitment.