How many of your classmates would like to be a part of your team? How many of them are willing to go through the weeks and months of training to join you? Your answers to these questions are likely, “Lots of them,” and “Few of them.”

When you think of denying yourself to be a part of something great, like a sports team, what comes to mind? Are you sacrificing time, convenience, privilege, or relationships? Maybe it’s all those and more. Will the benefits be worth the cost of self-denial?

Jesus challenged His followers to go with Him, to be a part of His team. Doing so would require sacrifice, even embracing painful loss on a daily basis. How many of your friends would sign up to be on Jesus’ team?

Jesus is much more than a good teacher, a philosopher, or a religious leader; He’s the Creator of the universe and the Savior of each and every person who trusts Him. To know Christ Jesus is to be a part of a team that spans throughout history and stretches around the world. To be His teammate is worth whatever the cost.