Jesus Is Worth ItSample

Jesus is worth it

Jim Gaffigan, my favorite comedian, has this joke about the disciples who had to give up everything to follow Jesus. I forget his exact words, but Gaffigan points out, “It’s not like they were investment bankers! ‘We have to leave everything, Jesus? So, leave the fishing poles here?’”

But the joke doesn’t quite work with Matthew, the tax collector (aka, Levi). His profession was equally immoral and lucrative, so many people despised him and his fellow tax collectors. Thus, when Jesus invited Matthew, the stakes were high. Following Jesus would mean leaving his luxury home in Capernaum behind and embracing the uncertain life of a traveling disciple.

But Jesus was worth it. “‘Follow me,’ Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything, and followed him” (Luke 5:27,28). There was something about Jesus, likely his unconditional love for sinners, that made Matthew believe that Jesus was worth more than “everything” he had.

Jesus still is worth it. Following him might cost you money, time, energy, comfort, popularity, acceptance, pleasure, or countless other things that we all prefer, but walking through life with the only One who can forgive your sins, provide a remedy for death, and offer you a place in the presence of God is so worth it.

No matter what your “everything” includes, leave it behind. Jesus is worth it!