In Luke 14:28-32, Jesus taught two parables about counting the cost. A man should count the cost of building a tower, so that he doesn’t run out of money before it is finished. A king should count the cost before going to war against an army twice the size of his own, so that he is not defeated in his efforts.
The two parables show the importance of counting the cost before making an important decision. Jesus taught the parables to make a point about discipleship.
Do you want to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? Most would quickly say “yes” to the question. But, they may not have counted the cost before answering in the affirmative. Consider Jesus’ three statements about the matter.
“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” (26).
“Whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple” (27).
“So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple” (33).
So, let’s ask the question again. Do you want to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? If you have considered carefully the words of Jesus on the matter, perhaps you see how big a commitment it really is.
We see multitudes today who claim to be disciples of Christ. However, their actions betray them. They cannot be His disciples because they have not forsaken all to serve Him. Their claims are baseless and empty.
Consider the scriptural example of the young man who came to Jesus, recorded in Matthew 19 and Mark 10. He had kept all the commandments of God from his youth, but he lacked one thing. His possessions held a higher rank in his heart than his God. Jesus told him to sell his possessions, give them to the poor, and follow Him. We are told, “But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (Matthew 19:22).
Simply put, discipleship requires the sacrifice of self. Paul understood this. He said, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). He wrote in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
When you hear people say, “Being a disciple of Christ does not require giving up…” no matter how they end that sentence; it is a sign that they have not counted the cost.
We do not have the right to put conditions upon our discipleship! Jesus requires complete commitment. If we are truly disciples, questions of obedience, submission, faithfulness, zeal, involvement, etc., are all answered. No true disciple would ever be explaining why any particular aspect of God’s word or will can be ignored or remain undone.
It is a peculiar aspect of our culture that men claim the autonomous right to approach God on their own terms. Remember the attitude of the prophet, and make it your own: “But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay and You our Potter; and all we are the world of Your hand” (Isaiah 64:8).
It is bold to claim, “I am a Christian.” To be Christ’s disciple, you must be willing to “forsake all”, your “own life also.” If not, Jesus says, you “cannot be My disciple.” Do you really want to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?
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