taking up its cross, the early church followed the example left behind by its Lord and Master.” Bavinck points out, however, that even while Jesus was on earth, externally “following him” was never enough. “It is likely that Jesus was accompanied on his travels by a multitude of disciples. This external fellowship however revealed a deeper relationship of genuine love to Jesus.” As our Lord himself pointed out, there were costs involved in following him, and his disciples had better be prepared.