The title of today’s sermon is intentionally ironic, because when we follow Jesus “half way,” what we’re really doing is trying to manage the cost of discipleship. There’s something about Kingdom work that we quietly label as irrational, illogical, or simply not worth it, so we look for the path of least resistance—often blending the values of earth with the values of heaven. It shows up everywhere: in our relationships, our entertainment, our habits, and even how we spend money. So many things compete for our passions—some good, some sinful—and we often make choices that pull us away from Jesus. When we choose those things over Him, we become double minded, not fully committed, not all in. Every day becomes like waking up to an auction where we decide how much we’re willing to pay to follow Jesus. What we don’t realize is that the cost of holding back is far more expensive than the cost of surrendering fully. That’s exactly what Jesus was teaching His disciples throughout Mark chapter 9, reminding them—and us—that when it comes to the Kingdom, being “half in” is the same as not being in at all.
