Episode 92 — Luke 6:22–23 — When Following Costs You
 
Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it’s awesome to be here with you today.
Today is April 2.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down
We carry so much around every day — financial worries, relational stress, anxiety about the future, and the pressure to succeed.
Now is the time to set those things down for a few minutes and enjoy some time with Jesus.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it.
As you inhale, whisper: “Jesus, You see me.”
As you exhale, pray: “Steady my heart.”
Do this three times, then rest in His presence.

Read
What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.  (Luke 6:22–23, NLT)

Notice
What stands out to you in this passage?
Is there a word or phrase that catches your attention?
Hold it in your heart for a moment.

Reread
Hear these words again, as if Jesus is looking you in the eye and speaking directly to your experiences of rejection and misunderstanding.

Meditate
Jesus doesn’t pretend that following Him is always easy. He names real experiences: being hated, excluded, mocked, and labeled as evil—specifically “because you follow the Son of Man.”
But He also reframes these moments. He calls them a place of blessing, not because the pain is good, but because:
You have a “great reward” in heaven.
You’re standing in the same story as the ancient prophets who were mistreated for faithfulness.
Your suffering for His sake isn’t pointless; it’s noticed, honored, and woven into God’s larger story.
Take a few moments to reflect on this question:
Where have I felt pressure to hide or soften my faith out of fear of being excluded or mocked—and what might it look like to trust Jesus’ promise in that place?

Respond
Jesus, You know what it is to be rejected and misunderstood.
When I face even a small taste of that because I follow You, help me remember Your words and Your reward.
Give me courage to stand with You, and joy that looks beyond this moment.

Exercise
The rush of life will meet you again when you leave this sacred place—but you can carry this moment into your day by forming new habits.
Habit: Start with a Smile 
Today, offer a sincere smile to the first person you see—at home, at work, or out in public.
As you smile, quietly pray:
“Lord, let Your kindness and joy shine through me, even when following You is hard.”

That’s your two minutes with Jesus for today.
Now, take what you’ve heard… and live it.
Until next time, keep slowing down, keep listening, and keep walking with Jesus.