Growing in the knowledge and love of God ought to be part of every believer’s journey, but the vehicle of said discipleship can look vastly different depending on one’s cultural context. In the West, we often think of discipleship in terms of small group Bible studies, church programs, etc.
However, for many believers in Indonesia, the cost of discipleship can be much higher, with followers of Jesus facing intense persecution, social ostracization, and even physical harm for their faith. While the basic call to take up one’s cross and follow Christ remains the same, the unique challenges faced by Indonesian Christians paint a sobering picture of what true discipleship can entail.
As we seek to draw encouragement in our own pursuit to take up our cross and follow Jesus, exploring the obedience of our Indonesian brothers and sisters in Christ offers a powerful testament to the cost of discipleship and the true meaning of surrendering all to Jesus.
Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago and the fourth most populous country, is a land of incredible diversity. With over 17,000 islands and more than 300 distinct ethnic groups, the cultural landscape is as rich as it is complex. For followers of Jesus, navigating this terrain isn’t always an easy one, as they often find themselves in the minority, facing opposition and persecution from both family and community.
One of the primary challenges Indonesian Christians face is the pressure to conform to cultural and religious norms. In a nation where Islam is the dominant faith, the decision to follow Jesus can come at a heavy price. Many believers are ostracized from their families, denied inheritance rights, and even subjected to physical violence for their faith. The cost of discipleship is tangible, and our brothers and sisters do not take the path forward lightly.
There are some church planters who, in light of the reality of persecution, will not baptize someone without having them say they are willing to be killed for following Jesus. While this sounds intense to those of us in the West, church planters who do this want to make sure the new followers genuinely count the cost of what it means to follow Jesus.
While some new believers are quick to make decisions and eager to be discipled and study the word of God with others, it is not uncommon for this process to stretch months or even years for some in light of the potentially life-changing decision to follow Jesus. It is not abnormal for new believers to keep this fact secret from their families out of fear of being disowned. That said, one can imagine how the discipleship process and topics covered may look different in Indonesia compared to the West, where persecution is not a typical early discipleship lesson.
Yet, amidst the challenges, stories of Indonesian believers’ unwavering commitment to Christ offer a powerful testament to the transformative power of the gospel. One such example is Sari, a young woman who, despite facing intense opposition from her family, chose to follow Jesus.
Sari’s journey began with a deep longing for something more. As she grew more disenchanted with her own religious upbringing, she encountered the love and grace of Jesus. Drawn to the message of redemption and the promise of eternal life, Sari made the courageous decision to surrender her life to Jesus.
The consequences were swift and severe. Sari’s family disowned her, cutting off all financial and emotional support. She found herself alone, facing the daunting prospect of navigating life without the safety net of her family. Yet, Sari’s faith remained steadfast. She clung to the promises of God, finding strength in the community of believers who rallied around her.
Sari’s story is not an isolated one. Across Indonesia, believers like her are choosing to follow Jesus, regardless of the cost. They are embracing a radical obedience that challenges the status quo and demands a level of sacrifice that can be difficult for those of us in the West to comprehend.
As we reflect on the example of Indonesian believers, we are challenged to examine the depth of our own discipleship norms. Are we willing to count the cost, to surrender our comforts and our security, in order to follow Jesus wholeheartedly? In what ways are we not only “talking the talk” but challenging each other to walk in obedience to Christ?
The believers in Indonesia remind us that the path of discipleship is not an easy one, but one that is worth it because Jesus is worth it.
As we pray for Indonesia, let us also pray for ourselves. May we be spurred on by the stories of our Indonesian brothers and sisters and find the courage to follow Jesus, no matter the cost. In doing so, we get to experience the joy that comes from living a life fully surrendered to the One who gave everything for us.
