April 17 2025

Thursday April 17

Counting the Cost of Discipleship

Luke 14:25-35

25 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26 "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it. 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see 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, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. 34 "Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"

When Jesus left the Pharisee's house, great crowds followed Him, but He was not impressed by the size of the crowd or their enthusiasm. In this passage, Jesus speaks to a large crowd following Him, saying, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” He uses parables about building a tower and a king preparing for war to emphasize counting the cost of following Him, concluding that disciples must forsake all and be like salt that retains its flavor.

Imagine a massive crowd buzzing with excitement, trailing Jesus as He walks away from a Pharisee’s house. They’re drawn to His miracles, His teachings, maybe even hopes of a political revolution. But Jesus stops, turns, and delivers a sobering message: discipleship isn’t a casual fan club. It’s a costly, all-in commitment.

First, Jesus demands supreme love. He says we must “hate” our family and even our own lives. This isn’t about despising people but loving Jesus so fiercely that every other affection pales in comparison. Think of a parent who sacrifices personal dreams to follow God’s call or a believer who risks family ties to stand for Christ. Our love for Jesus must eclipse all else, making us willing to surrender even what’s dearest. I love how Oswald Chambers puts it: “The only right we have is the right to give up the right to ourselves”.

Second, Jesus calls us to bear our cross. This isn’t just enduring life’s annoyances—it’s a daily choice to embrace shame, suffering, and God’s will, just as Jesus did on His way to Calvary. It’s saying no to selfish ambitions and yes to serving Christ, even when it’s unpopular or painful. Picture early Christians facing persecution or missionaries leaving comfort for danger. That’s the cross we’re called to carry.

Then, Jesus uses two parables to drive home the need to count the cost. A builder must ensure he has enough to finish a tower, or he’ll face mockery for a half-built ruin. A king must assess if his army can defeat a stronger foe, or he’ll need to seek peace. These stories challenge us to consider: Are we ready to follow Jesus fully, knowing it may cost our reputation, possessions, or even our lives? Half-hearted commitment won’t do. Jesus wants disciples who’ll finish the race, not quit when the glamour fades.

Finally, Jesus compares disciples to salt. Salt preserves, purifies, and adds flavor, making people thirsty for God. But if salt loses its savor, it’s useless, fit only to be thrown out. A disciple who compromises their faith becomes ineffective, unable to impact the world for Christ. We’re called to stay vibrant, devoted, and true, reflecting Jesus in our character and actions.

Discipleship is serious business. Jesus doesn’t coerce us, He invites us to choose Him deliberately, knowing the cost. He’s looking for quality, not quantity, for disciples who’ll be stones in His church, soldiers in His battle, and salt in His world. As He spoke these words, Jesus was heading toward His own cross. He asks nothing of us that He hasn’t already given.

Challenge

This week, reflect on what discipleship costs you personally. Ask yourself: Is there something—family, comfort, ambition—I’m holding back from Jesus? Take one practical step to deepen your commitment. Maybe it’s prioritizing prayer over distractions, serving someone despite inconvenience, or boldly sharing your faith. Count the cost, then choose to follow Jesus fully. Be salt that flavors the world around you.

Prayer

Father, thank You for Jesus’ call to true discipleship. Give us courage to love You above all, bear our cross, and count the cost. Help us be salt that glorifies You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God bless!