The Cost of Being a Disciple
March 6, 2020
Commentary
At this point large crowds are following Jesus and He wants to make it clear that they need to examine why they are following Him (v. 25). When it comes to personal discipleship He is more interested in quality than quantity. He is looking for followers who will be willing to follow Him anywhere, at any time, at any price. The cost is defined by three principles:
The principle of surrendering all relations. (v. 26)The principle of bearing all reproaches. (v. 27)The principle of yielding all resources. (v. 33) Jesus then gives three parables to explain why He makes such costly demands on His followers. The first two parables emphasize the consequences of commitment His followers are about to make. His third parable consists of a severe warning if not heeded.
The parable of construction – building a tower (vv. 28-30). Before a person begins to build, he must be sure he is able to pay for it. Salvation is free but discipleship costs.The parable of conflict – fighting a war (vv. 31-33). He must be willing to sacrifice a victory if he senses he is unable to win. We must follow on His terms and not ours.The parable of contamination – salt losing its flavor (vv. 34-35). Salt is good but when exposed to certain chemicals, it loses its saltiness and becomes worthless. When a Christian becomes contaminated with the world and loses his Christian character, he is worthless.
Application
What has it cost me to follow Jesus? Jesus said it would cost something to be one of His disciples.
Luke 14:25– 35 (NET)
25 Now large crowds were accompanying Jesus, and turning to them he said, 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, and wife and children, and brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not carry his own cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn’t sit down first and compute the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish the tower, all who see it will begin to make fun of him. 30 They will say, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish!’ 31 Or what king, going out to confront another king in battle, will not sit down first and determine whether he is able with 10,000 to oppose the one coming against him with 20,000? 32 If he cannot succeed, he will send a representative while the other is still a long way off and ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way therefore not one of you can be my disciple if he does not renounce all his own possessions.
34 “Salt is good, but if salt loses its flavor, how can its flavor be restored? 35 It is of no value for the soil or for the manure pile; it is to be thrown out. The one who has ears to hear had better listen!”
Illustration: We Need Hands on Instruction
After a distinguished performing career, virtuoso violinist Jascha Heifetz accepted an appointment as professor of music at UCLA. Asked what had prompted his change of career, Heifetz replied: “Violin playing is a perishable art. It must be passed on as a personal skill; otherwise it is lost.” We need to listen to this great musician. Living the Christian life is a highly personal experience. We can’t pull it off merely by watching skilled veterans “perform.” We need hands-on instruction. (Today in the Word, February 8, 1997, p. 15).