Luke 14:25-33 - Week of Sept 2nd - Sept 8th

Luke 14:25-33

25 Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned and said to them,

Jesus speaks to the crowds who are following him. These words are not for a select few or for those who are desiring to be better disciples, but these are words for anyone who wants to follow Jesus.

26 “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple.

“hate” – this word does not mean what we think it means. Hate is a very strong word in the English language – this is more about loyalty and not so much whether we feel adverse feelings toward someone – it is not about our affections

27 Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

Jesus is going to the cross – followers of Christ – their loyalty must bear going where ever Christ leads; even death on a cross – even the loss of familial relationships (which many early Christians did lose)

28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, 30 saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace.

This is cost analysis for Jesus – Jesus does not want “blind followers” or unwitting followers who do not know or understand what they are getting into. Jesus wants thoughtful followers who see what is at stake, who know understand what they may lose, and are losing and are willing to give it all up, even more for the sake of the Kingdom. Jesus wants prudent followers who make the choice willingly.

33 So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.

Following Jesus could result in the loss of your closest relationships, as well as everything you own; everything you call your own, your stuff, your time, your sense of security and stability; you must be willing to give up all of ourselves. This is a cost that must be “counted” and determined to be worth the gain.