📖 Biblical Definition
The price of discipleship is the total cost of following Christ — which Jesus defined as everything. "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23). Jesus told would-be followers to count the cost: "Which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost?" (Luke 14:28). The price includes forsaking all competing loyalties: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother... he cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:26). Discipleship costs everything because Christ is worth everything.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Price: the sum of money at which a thing is valued; what must be given or sacrificed to obtain something.
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PRICE, n. [L. pretium.] The sum or amount of money at which a thing is valued; the cost; what must be given or sacrificed to obtain something. Note: Webster understood price as what must be surrendered to obtain a thing — discipleship costs the surrender of self.
📖 Key Scripture
• Luke 9:23 — "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."
• Luke 14:26-28 — "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother... he cannot be my disciple."
• Matthew 13:44 — "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field... in his joy he goes and sells all that he has."
• Philippians 3:8 — "I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Discipleship is marketed as cost-free and benefit-rich.
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The seeker-sensitive movement has systematically removed the cost of discipleship from its messaging. Christianity is marketed as a product that improves your life with no mention of self-denial, cross-bearing, or suffering. But Jesus never offered cost-free discipleship. He told people to count the cost first. He warned that following Him meant losing everything the world values. A gospel that promises benefits without cost is a false gospel.
Usage
• "Jesus did not say 'follow me and your life will be easier.' He said 'take up your cross' — and crosses are instruments of death."
• "The price of discipleship is everything you have. The reward of discipleship is everything God is."