Episode 311: The Choice to Embrace the Cost

Transforming Mission Podcast with Tim Bias & Sara Thomas

During Lent, we're looking at the choices presented to us as leaders. The choice this week comes in the form of love. Look at 'cost of discipleship' and the choice to embrace the cost of love. Tim and Sara discuss a passage from Mark's Gospel, which conveys Jesus anticipating His death and resurrection.

They focus on the concept of 'cost,' which is not just financial but can impact character, relationships, decision-making and is not always negative. The significance of embracing cost in Christianity, often perceived negatively in modern society, is highlighted. Listen to explore the associations in culture with the avoidance of pain or struggle, which contrasts significantly with Jesus' message.

Jesus invites us to reflect on the choices Jesus made and the costs Jesus embraced, asserting that following Jesus does not lead to negative outcomes but rather a positive impact on the world. The episode concludes by challenging listeners on their readiness to embrace the cost of love as Christ-centered leaders. Listen at https://transformingmission.org/311

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

00:18 Exploring the Gospel for the Second Sunday of Lent

00:43 The Cost of Discipleship: A Deeper Look

01:59 The Misconception of Faith Exempting Us from Cost

02:20 Jesus' Message: Embracing the Cost of Living Authentically 04:06 Reading and Reflecting on Mark 8:31

05:24 The Paradox of Simplicity and the Greater Good

06:51 The Cost of Love and Following Jesus

07:58 Challenging Societal Norms as Christ-Centered Leaders

20:33 The Paradox of the Gospel: Losing Life to Find It

22:52 Conclusion: Embracing the Cost of Love as a Christ-Centered Leader