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Session 38: Dietrich Bonhoeffer - Cost of Discipleship
Welcome Back!
Our final legend in this section is Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and theologian who stood against the Nazi regime during World War II. Born in 1906, Bonhoeffer chose the dangerous path of resisting tyranny, even when it cost him his freedom and ultimately his life. His legacy challenges us to live with courage and faith, no matter the cost.
Why Bonhoeffer’s Lesson Matters
Bonhoeffer believed that following Christ required more than words - it required costly obedience. In his famous book The Cost of Discipleship, he warned against “cheap grace,” where people claim faith without living it out. For him, real discipleship meant sacrifice, conviction, and standing for truth, even when it was unpopular or dangerous.
This lesson is crucial today. In a world where compromise is often easier than conviction, Bonhoeffer reminds us that true faith requires courage. Principles that are never tested are principles never proven.
A Real-World Picture
When Adolf Hitler rose to power, Bonhoeffer opposed him openly. He helped form the Confessing Church, which rejected Nazi control of Christianity. Later, he became involved in efforts to resist the regime and even supported a plot to stop Hitler. For his actions, Bonhoeffer was arrested in 1943 and imprisoned for two years. Even in prison, he wrote letters and reflections that continue to inspire readers. Just weeks before the end of the war, he was executed at the age of 39. His life remains a powerful testimony of faith lived out under persecution.
Humor Break
When asked once about the danger he faced, Bonhoeffer reportedly smiled and said that a Christian must be ready at any time to die for his faith. Not the kind of humor that gets laughs - but the kind that shows courage runs deeper than fear.
Action Step for You
Think about one area of your life where it would be easier to stay silent or compromise. Choose instead to take a stand for what you believe is right - even if it costs you comfort or approval. True discipleship begins when conviction shapes your choices.
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Closing
Dietrich Bonhoeffer shows us that faith is not just belief but action. His life reminds us that discipleship comes with a cost - but it is a cost worth paying. As you continue this Legends Series, remember: courage rooted in faith may be costly, but it is the only path that leads to true freedom.
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