For Jesus, not only the journey required a diligent focus; so did the ultimate goal — a horrible death by crucifixion on a cross. Jesus removed any doubt about the difficulties of the journey by telling someone who wanted to follow him that this meant no rest and no bed. He told someone else that following him meant sacrificing time with his grieving family. Would you follow Jesus under those conditions?

If you’re planning a long trip — say, to Prague or Machu Picchu, you’re likely to do a lot of advance planning. But if you’re willing to pay the price, you go. Grumbling about the cost once you’re in the air is pointless. Similarly, it’s only natural for Jesus to tell his disciples at the beginning of this journey to Jerusalem what it will cost them.

Of course, it’s a high and demanding price — and Jesus makes all the decisions. You don’t get to choose accommodations or to take time off for family obligations. You must simply follow Jesus, on his terms.

The cost of following Jesus means dying to our own desires and placing him ahead of everything else: comfort, family, friends, career, ideals — even our life on this earth. Only when we have unburdened ourselves of all earthly concerns will we be fit to follow and serve Jesus.