Theme: The downside of discipleship

Exegetical note
As he concludes his commissioning and instructing of his disciples, Jesus here issues a caveat: all will not be "sweetness and light" for them. Discipleship will require sacrifices (including familial relationships) and sufferings (including crosses), and even losses of life - which, paradoxically, will mean the finding of (new) life. In other words, the life of the Christian will be modeled after the life of the Christ, hardships and all.

Call to Worship
Leader: Let us rejoice to be in …