The Cost of Discipleship: Following the Pattern of Christ in the Field

Sometimes, when we’re deep in the work, or maybe we’re just studying scripture at home, the scope of what it takes to follow Christ can feel overwhelming. We see the miracles—the feeding of the five thousand, the casting out of spirits—and we think, "Wow, that's amazing power!"

But if you spend any time studying the Savior’s life, especially chapters like Luke 9, you realize the narrative isn't just a highlight reel of power. It’s a masterclass in discipleship. It’s about the *cost*.

As returned missionaries, we often focus on the "what"—what we need to say, what scriptures to cite. But as disciples, we need to focus on the "who"—who are we becoming in the process? This week, I was pondering the depth of commitment required, especially when Jesus speaks to those three men about what it means to be a disciple.

The Call to the Steep Climb

The Savior repeatedly impressed upon His followers the importance of the work of the Kingdom of God. It wasn't a suggestion; it was a profound call to realignment. He didn't just point out the path; He made sure we understood the steps required to walk it.

Think about the progression in Luke 9. We see the initial outpouring of power—Jesus sending the twelve out to preach. Then, the incredible miracle of the loaves and fishes. And then, the pivotal moments: Peter's confession, the Transfiguration, and finally, the sobering discussions about sacrifice.

More Than Just Miracles

It’s easy, when we’re learning to be Internet missionaries, to get caught up in the impressive things we *can* do, or the powerful testimonies we *can* share. But the Spirit whispers that the greatest power comes from the deepest commitment. The greatest in the kingdom, Jesus taught, is the least among His brethren. That’s a profound shift in perspective, isn't it?

This reminds me of what I learned while studying with Davee recently. We were discussing the concept of 'greatest' in the context of the restored gospel. Davee walked me through how an investigator might ask, "If I serve and sacrifice everything, will I be 'great' in the eyes of God?" It forced us to go back to the core principle: it’s not about accumulation of accolades, but about alignment with Christ's pattern.

"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

That cross. It’s not just a historical artifact; it’s a daily choice to put the needs of the Gospel—the needs of the work—before our own comfort, our own plans, or even our own desires.

Being Christlike: The Daily Practice

This isn't something reserved for those who have been through the MTC or who are currently serving in the field. This is for us, right here, right now, as disciples in our homes, our callings, and our online interactions. Every time we choose to listen to the Spirit over our own agenda, every time we humble ourselves to learn from someone else—that’s us taking up the cross.

If you’re feeling the weight of the work, or maybe you’re struggling to reconcile the magnitude of the gospel with the mundane reality of a Tuesday afternoon, I encourage you to look at this passage again. It’s a roadmap.

For those who want a quick, yet deep dive into this passage, I found this resource helpful for a foundational overview:

LUKE 9 - In 5 Minutes - 2BeLikeChrist

I highly recommend checking out the Bible Study Groups in HolyPlaces, or joining a Book Club focused on the Gospels. It’s a wonderful way to process these heavy teachings with other disciples. If you want to dig into the tough questions about discipleship, make sure you spend some time with Davee using the AI Investigator role!

Keep striving to be Christlike in every corner of the internet and in every conversation. That is the work.