The Cost of Discipleship

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

Read Luke 14:25-34.

Jesus said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). Many people are shocked when they read these words. Wasn’t Jesus all about love? Why would the Lord want His disciples to hate their families?

Jesus is saying that our love for Him should be so great that by comparison all our other relationships are held with an open hand. Important as they are, they are not as vital as our relationship with Christ.

Jesus is not looking for disciples who want an easy sort of faith. He’s not interested in giving you your best life now. Jesus is interested in a supernatural takeover. He wants His disciples to know He is the sovereign Lord, the ruler, the master. He is the King.

Many people attend church, listen to the sermon half-heartedly, sing the songs because it feels good to do so, and then walk out the door and leave thoughts of Christ behind. They might sing, “I surrender all,” but it might as well be “I surrender very little; I surrender what is easy.” But being Jesus’ disciple means giving Him our everything.

Of course, when we love Jesus more than anyone or anything, we find that our love for our family, our friends, our neighbors—even our enemies—grows by leaps and bounds. Jesus, then, is not promoting hatred; He’s simply setting things in the right order. We are to love Him above all else.

Jesus also said, “[W]hoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (v. 27). Many people interpret the “cross” here as a burden they must carry in their lives. It might be a strained relationship or a thankless job or a physical illness. But that’s not what Jesus meant.

Jesus was saying they must die to themselves. They must refuse to attempt to control their own destiny. In this way, death is a new way of life. Discipleship for the Christian is bringing one’s life into conformity with Christ. It’s sitting at His feet through the study of His Word. It’s growing in knowledge and love. It is daily recognizing that our default nature is to pursue anything but Christ. And it is choosing instead to renew our minds daily, that we might conform our lives to Him who saved us.

Prayer: Jesus, help me to more fully understand Your calling on my life. May I lay my own ambitions at the cross and follow Your way. I want You to rule in my life—in every aspect. Help me to submit to You by the power of Your Spirit. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon series Enduring Wisdom: WATCH NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
View All


Email Sign-up

Sign up for the TWR360 Newsletter

Access updates, news, Biblical teaching and inspirational messages from powerful Christian voices.

Thank you for signing up to receive updates from TWR360.

Required information missing

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy & Terms of Use apply.