Counting the Cost

Luke 14:25-35 is a powerful passage that speaks to the heart of what it truly means to follow Jesus. This section of scripture paints a picture of the cost of discipleship and the commitment required of those who would call themselves followers of Christ.

In verses 25-26, Jesus says, "Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 'If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.'"

These words can be difficult for us to hear and understand, especially in light of the love and compassion that Jesus so often showed during his time on earth. But what Jesus is saying here is that our love and devotion to him must supersede all other relationships and commitments in our lives.

As Christians, we are called to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23). This means that we must put aside our own desires, wants, and needs, and instead seek to follow God's will for our lives. This requires a level of commitment and sacrifice that can be difficult to maintain, especially in a world that so often pulls us away from God and towards our own selfish desires.

In verses 27-33, Jesus continues, "And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, 'This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.'"

This passage speaks to the importance of counting the cost before making a commitment. In the same way that we wouldn't start building a tower without first making sure we have the resources to see it through, we must be sure that we are fully committed to following Jesus before we take that step.

And finally, in verses 34-35, Jesus concludes, "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. 'He who has ears to hear, let him hear.'"

These verses remind us of the importance of maintaining our commitment to Jesus, even when it is difficult. If we lose our saltiness, if we abandon our faith, we become useless, good for nothing but to be thrown out.

In conclusion, Luke 14:25-35 is a powerful reminder of the cost of discipleship and the commitment required of those who would follow Jesus. We must be willing to put aside all other relationships and commitments, count the cost, and maintain our commitment to Jesus, even when it is difficult.

Here are three discussion points to consider when reflecting on this passage:

1. What does it mean to "hate" your family and your life?
2. How can we make sure we are fully committed to following Jesus before taking that step?
3. What does it mean to "lose your saltiness" as a disciple of Jesus, and how can we avoid it?