Book Review: The Cost of Discipleship

Several years ago, my friend Paul recommended the Bonhoeffer book by Eric Metaxas. At over 500 pages, it’s a time commitment, but fascinating. More recently, the Bonhoeffer documentary came out. So, when I came across this book by the same author/translator, I decided to dig in.

In this book, Bonhoeffer tackles the subject of what he calls ‘cheap grace’ compared to ‘costly grace.’ Although grace is available to all, handing it out like candy waters it down, cheapens it, diminishing the gift and more importantly, the cost associated with the gift to begin with.

In Part II, each chapter walks through part of Matthew 5, the Sermon on the Mount. The quotes are from the King James, so the wording is in the older style. The author has translated the German writings into English, more British in style and spelling.

Referring to Matthew 7, he tackles members of the congregation who need to be disciplined for their actions, the primary goal of these steps, and the responsibility of the congregation’s leadership. There are many reminders that those leaders carry a heavier responsibility to get it right!

Part II covers the Messengers, those who go out in the world to share the good news. The focus here is Matthew 9 & 10. Part IV covers entering into community. This is more of a study book. Recommended! –CMW