The Hard Truth About Discipleship – Greg Laurie Devotion – March 25, 2026

Biblical Context

The Gospel of Luke was written by Luke, a physician and traveling companion of the Apostle Paul. He wasn’t one of the original twelve disciples but meticulously researched eyewitness accounts to provide an orderly and accurate narrative of Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Luke’s Gospel often emphasizes Jesus’ compassion for the poor, the marginalized, and sinners, showing His universal appeal. It also often highlights the cost and demands of true discipleship, as we see in today’s passage.

Key Word Study

Let’s look at the word disciple from our main verse, Luke 14:33. The Greek word for disciple is mathētēs (μαθητής). It doesn’t just mean a student who learns facts; it means a learner, an apprentice, or an adherent who actively follows the teachings and way of life of their master. It implies commitment and a readiness to emulate the teacher. In essence, a disciple isn’t just someone who *knows* about Jesus, but someone who *follows* Jesus and lives like Him.

The Hard Truth About Discipleship

Someone once said, “There are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.” That’s a powerful idea, and it often feels right, especially when we look at people who seem to have it all but still feel empty inside.

This statement brings to mind the story in Matthew 19 about a rich young man who came to Jesus seeking answers. You’d think this man, of all people, should’ve been content and truly happy. He had great influence and a lot of money. But even with all his achievements, there was something important missing in his life. He asked Jesus, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” (verse 16 nlt).

Jesus’ response was interesting. “‘Why ask me about what is good?’ Jesus replied. ‘There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments’” (verse 17 nlt). Now, Jesus wasn’t saying that keeping the Ten Commandments would save a person. Not at all. Instead, Jesus held up the Ten Commandments like a mirror to show this man his sin, to help him see where he really stood before God.

The young man’s confidence shone through when he said, “‘I’ve obeyed all these commandments,’ the young man replied. ‘What else must I do?’” (verse 20 nlt). I can picture Jesus probably smiling a little at this. He could see right through to what this man really cared about. So, Jesus stepped it up and said, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (verse 21 nlt).

How did the young man react? Verse 22 tells us, “But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions” (nlt). Jesus knew exactly what the problem was for this young man: his possessions had taken over his soul. They owned him, instead of him owning them. But it’s important to remember that Jesus could’ve said something completely different to someone else. What really holds someone back from Christ, and from making more spiritual progress, can change from person to person. It’s not always money.

Jesus spoke a plain truth about discipleship in Luke 14:33: “So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own” (nlt). This verse makes it clear: nothing should be more valuable, more special, or more important to us than our relationship with Christ.

Jesus makes this point even stronger in Luke 14:26–27. He says, “If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple” (nlt). This isn’t about literally hating our families or ourselves, but about prioritizing Jesus so much that all other relationships and even our own life seem like ‘hate’ in comparison to our love for Him. Nothing should ever matter more to us than our walk with Christ.

That’s why it’s a good idea to regularly come before Jesus and ask, “Lord, is there anything in my life that is getting in the way of my relationship with You?” We must be willing to do what the rich young man would not. We need to be ready to sacrifice anything that gets in the way of our spiritual growth and our closeness with God.

Reflection question: What do you think Jesus would say if you asked Him to show you anything that was getting in the way of your relationship with Him?