Does Jesus Discourage Followers?

There are a few Bible passages that seem to indicate Jesus discouraged people from following him. Note a couple examples:

Luke 14:25-27: “Now a great multitude went with Him. And He turned and said to them, ‘If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.'”

Matthew 8:19-20: “…a certain scribe came and said to him, ‘Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.

Other such statements can be supplied. In these two scriptures we see a willingness in people to follow Jesus. Jesus, however, speaks to them hard sayings that could easily cause the person to change his mind. Why does Jesus do that?

To follow Jesus is to, at times. follow a difficult and lonely path. There will be temptations, challenges and choices that are difficult. People will not always react well to Jesus’ disciples. Am I willing to suffer such things?

Jesus does not want us to be unprepared for these trials. Foreknowledge does not make the trial easier, but it allows us to strengthen and brace ourselves for the things we will face. We can weigh benefits and blessings against the cost and curses. With a clear mind we can determine to follow Him, regardless.

Jesus does not mean to discourage people from following him. He is calling people to be true and faithful followers.  Do you want to be a real disciple?