An aging bishop stands before a Roman ruler. Freedom is within reach—if he will deny Jesus. Polycarp refuses. Centuries earlier, beside the Sea of Galilee, a scribe promises to follow Jesus wherever He goes, while another disciple asks to put something else first. Jesus’ answers confront us with the cost of following Him. In “The Authority to Set the Cost,” we explore Matthew 8:18–22 and the authority of Christ to require our surrender. Will we follow when obedience costs us our comfort? Will He take first place when other loyalties compete for our hearts? His call still stands: “Follow Me.”
