Luke 14:28-33 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? (29) Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, (30) Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. (31) Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? (32) Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. (33) So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
In the two verses preceding our passage today, Jesus was talking about what it means to be his disciple. Jesus said that we must be willing to put God first (Luke 14:26) , and that we must be willing to bear our cross for him (Luke 14:27).
In our text today, Jesus says that we must count the cost of being his disciple. Many may be appalled at the concept that I even suggest that there could be a cost to us. Keep in mind, however, that I didn’t say that....Jesus did! To further support his position, Jesus gives two examples.
First, he asks, who would start a building project without counting the cost of the overall project to determine whether you have the means to be able finish it? Responsible people do not make major purchases without understanding the overall, long-term costs of such an endeavor. Then secondly, he asks, what king goes to make war with another country without having the planning and understanding if the battle can be won. One does not start a fight only to lose! If losing is a greater probability, Jesus says the smart thing to do is to send an ambassador and work out the peace and not start that war.
The point that Jesus is making is that we must count the cost of Christianity BEFORE becoming his disciple! So what is the cost? Jesus said in the two previous verses that we need to love him more than father, mother, spouse, child or siblings. There is a cost associated with that. He went on to day that we must be willing to take up our cross. There are costs associated with that as well.
Jesus wants us to follow him. He desires it so much that he was willing to die to make our lives better. However, just because he paid the ultimate price, does not mean there is no price for us to pay. It is minuscule compared to what he did. But a cost is still there none the less. He does not want us to make a half-hearted attempt, only to quit mid way. Instead, we need to count the cost. When we realize that what he has to offer is far superior to the world, we need to deny ourselves and submit our will to his.
Reflecting His SON,
Dennis Hogan
Minister, North Hardin Church of Christ
1804 Sam Stewart Dr.
Radcliff, KY 40160
Questions, comments or further explanation? Contact me at: dennis.hogan@icloud.com
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