Why is following Jesus Christ difficult?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible shows that those who follow Christ will suffer, and the reasons are manifold. For one, Christians must put Christ first in their lives (Matthew 10:37–39; Luke 14:26), and that’s difficult because of the competing forces of the world, the flesh (sin), and satanic forces (Ephesians 6:11–12; 1 Peter 5:8; John 15:18; 1 John 3:13; Romans 7:21–25; Galatians 5:17). Another reason following Jesus can be challenging is because it comes with persecution (2 Timothy 3:12) and self-sacrifice (Matthew 16:24; Romans 12:1). In fact, we could not endure the suffering if not for God’s grace and the indwelling Holy Spirit (Matthew 19:25-26; John 14:16, 26; John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:10; Romans 8:26-27). And when we think about the immense suffering that Christ endured for us, we should consider it an honor to suffer for His sake (John 3:16; 1 John 2:2). Ultimately, we will one day reign with Christ (2 Timothy 2:12; Romans 8:17), so suffering for Him is a privilege (Philippians 1:29).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Suffering for Christ is not addressed in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• God has granted us the privilege not only to believe in Christ, but to suffer for His sake (Philippians 1:29) and to ultimately reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12; Romans 8:17).
• Being conformed into the image of Jesus Christ is not always easy or comfortable, but it is always a cause for rejoicing because it results in our maturity in Christ (James 1:2–4). Just as Christ's suffering resulted in His exaltation (Philippians 2:5–11), our sufferings are preparing for us an “eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17–18).
• Without the grace of God, following Jesus would be so difficult as to be impossible (Matthew 19:25–26).
• One reason it seems difficult to follow Christ is that we must put Him first. Jesus won’t settle for second place in our lives. He calls us to be willing to give up anything and everything in following Him. Our most intimate family bonds, our careers, our material wealth, even our very own lives must be subordinate to our love and allegiance to Jesus (Matthew 10:37–39; Luke 14:26).
• Following Christ is difficult because it demands not only a willingness to die for Him, but to live for Him sacrificially (Matthew 16:24; Romans 12:1).
• Following Jesus is difficult because it requires self-discipline and God's discipline (1 Corinthians 9:25–27; Hebrews 12:3–11) of our hearts, minds, and bodies to fight the war we are in. Followers of Christ are at war with the Devil, the world, and the old sin nature that resides in us (Ephesians 6:11–12; 1 Peter 5:8; John 15:18; 1 John 3:13; Romans 7:21–25; Galatians 5:17).
• Persecution comes with being a follower of Christ (2 Timothy 3:12).
• The difficulty of following Christ is worth it because of what He has done for us: Jesus alone knows what it is to suffer the punishment for the sins of the whole world, and He did it for us (John 3:16; 1 John 2:2).
• Jesus has not left us alone in our difficulties; He has sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within us and guide, comfort, pray, and strengthen us (John 14:16, 26; John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:10; Romans 8:26–27).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Following Jesus is much more difficult than living life on our own terms. In one way, His “yoke is easy” and His “burden is light” (Matthew 11:30) because of the joy we get when we place our trust in One who can never let us down. But in other, everyday ways, the struggle is real. Maybe coworkers shun you because you won’t participate in office gossip. Or maybe you’ve faced ridicule on social media for your beliefs. Perhaps you’ve been fired from your job for expressing your beliefs. Maybe you’ve been forced to participate in unbiblical training seminars and have had to step down from your position. These are very mild forms of persecution to those of us in the western world.

Outside western nations, the examples can be extremely serious, such as imprisonment and even beheading for expressing faith in Christ. In some nations it is impossible to even share a Bible or pray in public. Pastors and church leaders are frequently removed from their homes, never to return.

Is it all worth it? When we realize our final destination is going to be with the Lord of Glory, reigning with Him for eternity, we can focus on Jesus and the hope we have in Him and not on this present age. Jesus has gone before us and the Spirit will be with us now as we follow Christ.

UNDERSTAND

• Following Jesus demands sacrifice and putting Him first amid spiritual battles.
• Persecution and suffering are part of growing closer to Christ.
• God’s grace and the Holy Spirit empower us to endure and focus on eternal life.

REFLECT

• How do you experience the spiritual battle between your desires, the world’s pressures, and your faith in your daily life?
• How have you had to put Jesus first, even when it meant sacrifice or loss?
• How does God’s grace and the Holy Spirit help you keep going when following Jesus feels difficult?

ENGAGE

• What are some practical ways we can support each other in enduring the sacrifices and struggles that come with following Christ?
• How can understanding Jesus’ own suffering reshape our view of persecution and hardship in our faith journey?
• How can understanding the presence of the Holy Spirit change how we face challenges and remain faithful in a hostile world?