As Jesus traveled through Perea, toward Jerusalem, huge crowds followed Him. He suddenly turned and began to teach them about the meaning of true discipleship. "If any man cometh unto me, and hateth not his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:26) These words are similar to those found in Matthew 10:37: "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."
Clearly, the word hate, as used in Luke 14:26, means to love less. This is illustrated in the Old-Testament text of Genesis 29:31: "And Jehovah saw that Leah was hated ..." In verse 30, we see the explanation of hated: "And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah ..." In all relationships, we must love Christ more than others; He must have first place (preeminence) (Colossians 1:18). Jesus was teaching that the cost of discipleship is wholehearted devotion to Him, and that devotion to Him must be more than our attachment to our parents and other family members.
Even our own lives must be subject to Jesus. "Whosoever doth not bear his own cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:27) In Matthew's account, Jesus stated, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Matthew 16:24) Publicly carrying a cross branded one as a criminal, doomed to execution (cf. Luke 9:23-24). The one who willingly takes up his cross and follows Jesus makes a serious decision. The Lord asked for intelligent appraisal of the cost of discipleship and for complete renunciation of all claims to one's former life.
Jesus used two illustrations to help this large crowd understand the cost of discipleship. Though these illustrations are not specifically called parables, they fit well the definition of a parable. The word parable means to place beside, to cast alongside. As defined in Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, it "signifies a placing of one thing beside another with a view to comparison." Wiersbe describes a parable as "a story that places one thing beside another for the purpose of teaching ... It puts the known next to the unknown so that we may learn."
The Rash Builder. "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doth not first sit down and count the cost, whether he have (wherewith) to complete it? Lest haply, when he hath laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all that behold begin to mock him, saying, this man began to build, and was not able to finish." (Luke 14:28-30) Some have said that at the time Jesus told this story, Pilate had begun, but due to lack of funds had been unable to complete, a magnificent aqueduct. It was not unusual, we are told, for people of that day to initiate plans and begin to erect great public buildings that they were unable to complete. Luke did not identify the tower in Jesus' illustration. Perhaps it was a watchtower for a farmer's vineyard, or an extra place for storage, or a dwelling. Regardless, he should have counted the cost before starting the building, lest he become a laughingstock and an object of ridicule.
The lesson is clear. We must look before we leap. Before one decides to become Christ's disciple, he must realize that being a Christian is not easy. Nowhere does God teach us that we will escape life's varied afflictions because we are His children. Concerning the afflictions of God's people, Peter said, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you: but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy." (1 Peter 4:12-13)
Too many view life's afflictions with "why me?" attitudes, questioning, accusing, and renouncing God because they encounter tragedies. But God says, "If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small." (Proverbs 24:10) Addressing Christians who were suffering severe persecution for their faith, Jesus said, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life." (Revelation 2:10) He taught that when Christians are confronted by tribulations, rather than retreating in a cowardly way, we should remain faithful, even if it costs our lives. Life's trials must not serve as excuses for negligence in serving God. Paul wrote, "Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12) And John said,"These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Indeed, God has not promised us beds of roses.
The Reasonable King. "Or what king, as he goeth to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and asketh conditions of peace." (Luke 14:31-32) In the previous illustration, the builder had a choice--to build or not to build. In this illustration, it seems inevitable that the King must fight or make peace, for apparently, he is under attack. Someone is "coming against him" with twenty thousand soldiers.
Again, the lesson is clear. Just as this king must act, we cannot remain neutral; we too must act. This parable applies to the consideration we ought to exercise when we take upon ourselves the profession of Christianity. Solomon said, "Every purpose is established by counsel; and by wise guidance make thou war." (Proverbs 20:18) So, with good advice, become a Christian. Yet, know that, except you forsake what you have, you cannot be Christ's disciple; that is, you must willingly commit to forsaking everything, for all that will live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution. Indeed, we face a formidable foe. "Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8) Peace with the devil is not an option; we must fight! It's much easier to fight when the Lord is on your side.
These two little parables form a unit, and their lessons are clear. Look before you leap, but leap you must ... just be sure you leap in the right direction.
Brother Galloway discusses a vital point that is often left out of discussions regarding obedience to the gospel-the cost of discipleship. Too often, we leave the false impression that after initial obedience (hearing, believing, repentance, confession, and baptism), it's all smooth sailing. This leaves an unrealistic picture for the new convert.
We are duty-bound to tell every person who wishes to obey the gospel about the commitment that must accompany such a decision. Hiding this truth puts new converts in danger of falling away when they face trials and temptations. The fact that a convert says NO to the devil doesn't mean he will give up and move on. The person who decides to become a Christian is committing his life to God. In real terms, this means he must give time, desire, effort, and work to being an obedient follower. When he faces trials, temptations, and difficult times, he must diligently maintain his relationship with the Lord. Local churches need to ground new converts by explaining the demands that Christianity places on their lives. This enables the converts to enter God's service with their eyes wide open. Understanding the cost of discipleship can help converts prepare to pay for it. (KMG)