Luke 14:25-3525And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. 33So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. 34Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be seasoned? 35It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Luke 14:25‑35)
Great crowds of people followed the Lord Jesus when He and the disciples passed through the villages on the way to Jerusalem.
All must have known of the miracles Jesus had done and of His wisdom, so wished to see and hear this great Teacher.
You know now when there is a special event, people gather crowding one upon another, so it was then. Men think that an honor, but Jesus knew many were not in earnest to know Him, but were curious to see some wonder. He knew He was soon to be rejected as their King, and that few believed Him to be God’s Son.
He knew all who believed in Him would also be despised and often harmed, so it would not be easy for them to say they were His followers or to tell people of Him.
That was the reason He told the people that if they wished to be true followers, they must think more of Him than of all others. He deserves that all should give Him their love above even their family, for all first belong to Him.
You may think it strange the Lord used the word “hate” about their families, because He had before said to “love” even an enemy (Matt. 5:4444But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew 5:44)). But it seems to mean they might have to be against their friends or relatives who did not believe in Jesus, to give up all to be true to Him.
Jesus said all who followed His ways should be like a man who wants to build a tower, so he first sits down and counts how much it would cost.
For if he started to build and did not have money to finish, others would laugh at him.
People who believe God are called “His building” (Eph. 2:2222In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:22)), and all who tell others of Christ help build that “tower.” It may cost them the favor of friends or loved ones.
Jesus also asked those about Him if a king were going to fight against a stronger king’s army, would he not first consider if it were possible to win? There is a very strong king, Satan, for Christians to “fight,” but they can remember that God is with His weak people, and so they are able to “win.” He will also give the strength to “build” for Christ.
The Lord Jesus wanted those who started to follow His teachings to be in earnest, and to know it would not be easy. There were many disciples afterward who gave up their homes and comforts to tell people of Christ as Saviour.
It is still not easy to be a faithful follower of the Lord Jesus, but this chapter shows how well He knew this. Those who obey His words, “Follow thou Me,” shall receive a great reward. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:2727My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (John 10:27).
He spoke of salt losing its savor, or taste, and then it is useless; so are we useless as followers, if we lose our desire and earnestness to be true to Himself.
ML 07/29/1945