Inspired to RISE - Day 3 Bible Plan

The Cost of Influencing Others for Jesus

DEVOTIONAL

Jesus did crazy miracles all the time. Can you imagine being at a funeral and then watching the dead guy come back to life? Talk about a zombie nightmare. Thankfully, Lazarus didn’t turn out to be a zombie, but Jesus did bring him back to life! 

Jesus is recorded in John 6 feeding 5000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish and then walking on water (yes, this creeped his disciples out). Now you might think these miracles amazed the crowds and they did, but it wasn’t enough. They wanted more miraculous signs! This disappointed Jesus because although the miracles were epic, they were meant to point people to him – the only one who can give eternal life! As he tried to explain this, the crowd didn’t get it – they said his words were too confusing so they ditched him and walked away. If you’ve ever been ditched before, you know that it sucks. 

Although Jesus was famous and people wanted to be with him all the time, his message wasn’t always popular. Jesus' mission cost him friends, family, followers and fame. Watching the crowds walk away he turned to his closest friends and asked them if they were also going to leave him.

People may not get why you don't go to those crazy parties, why you give your money instead of spending it all, why you have to invite the “weird kid” to sit with you, or look at you like you're crazy for standing up for the one being bullied. If they ditch you, will you ditch Jesus to fit in with them or will you respond like Peter did in John 6:68: “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.” 

REFLECTION - Comment your answer below!

You may not understand everything about God, but the most important question you will ever answer is, “Who is Jesus to you?” 

CHALLENGE

Do you truly believe that Jesus is your Lord and Saviour, the one who died on the cross to forgive your sins? Do you believe he rose from the dead, defeating death forever and offers you eternal life? 

If you do, there is no cost too high to pay as you influence the world with him. Respond to these questions while writing in a journal.

BIBLE VERSES

John 6:60-68

Many of his disciples said, “This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?”

Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what will you think if you see the Son of Man ascend to heaven again? The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But some of you do not believe me.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones didn’t believe, and he knew who would betray him.) Then he said, “That is why I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.”

At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”

Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.