Understanding the Cost of Discipleship in Luke 14
Luke 14 presents a series of teachings by Jesus concerning the demanding nature of discipleship, emphasizing that following him requires careful consideration and significant personal sacrifice [6, 7]. The chapter begins with Jesus healing a man with dropsy on the Sabbath, followed by parables on humility and hospitality [9, 10]. However, the latter part of the chapter, specifically verses 25-35, directly addresses the "cost of discipleship" [6].
Jesus states, "Whoever doesn’t bear his own cross, and come after me, can’t be my disciple" (Luke 14:27) [1]. This metaphorical language, also found in Luke 9:23, indicates that faithfulness to Jesus might require suffering, even to the point of death [3]. This commitment involves letting Jesus determine one's life goals and purposes [3]. The call to discipleship is not to be taken lightly, as Jesus's popularity was high, but he intended to clarify the high cost involved [6].
To illustrate this, Jesus provides two parables: one about a builder constructing a tower and another about a king preparing for battle. In the first, Jesus asks, "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it?" (Luke 14:28). This parable, along with the subsequent one about a king, serves to highlight the necessity of forethought and commitment before embarking on the path of discipleship [9]. The implication is that one must assess whether they are prepared for the sacrifices involved, which include "denying ungodliness and worldly lusts" and "mortifying sinful lusts" [2].
The teachings in Luke 14 echo similar themes found in other Gospels, such as Matthew 16:24, where Jesus tells his disciples that they too must be ready and willing to suffer [5]. This suffering is presented as a necessary aspect of the Messiah's mission and, consequently, for those who follow him [8]. The commitment required for discipleship is profound, often involving leaving behind previous ways of life, as seen in the disciples' decision to leave their boats and father to follow Jesus [4].
Sources
- Luke “Whoever doesn’t bear his own cross, and come after me, can’t be my disciple. -- Luke 14:27”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 8:34: 8:34-38 Jesus’ invitation to his disciples and the crowd lays out the cost of being his follower. • To give up your own way involves letting Jesus determine your goals and purposes in life. To take up your cross is metaphorical (cp. Luke 9:23); it indicates that faithfulness to Jesus must extend, if required, even to the point of death. To follow Jesus’ teaching and example is a continual commitment.”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 4:20: 4:20-22 leaving the boat and their father: Following Jesus as his disciples involved both commitment and cost on the part of the brothers (see 8:18-22; 10:38; 16:24; 19:21).”
- Matthew (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Matthew 16:24: Christ, having shown his disciples that he must suffer, and that he was ready and willing to suffer, here shows them that they must suffer too, and must be ready and willing. It is a weighty discourse that we have in these verses. I. Here is the law of discipleship laid down, and the terms fixed, upon which we may have the honour and benefit of it, Mat 16:24. He said this to his disciples, not only that they might instruct others concerning it, but that by this rule they might examine their own security. Observe, 1. What it is to be a disciple of Christ; it is t”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 14:25: 14:25-35 A large crowd was following Jesus: Jesus’ popularity was high, but he was about to teach that the cost of following him was also very high.”
- Luke (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Luke 14:25: See how Christ in his doctrine suited himself to those to whom he spoke, and gave every one his portion of meat. To Pharisees he preached humility and charity. He is in these verses directing his discourse to the multitudes that crowded after him, and seemed zealous in following him; and his exhortation to them is to understand the terms of discipleship, before they undertook the profession of it, and to consider what they did. See here, I. How zealous people were in their attendance on Christ (Luk 14:25): There went great multitudes with him, many for love and mor”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 16:21: 16:21-28 Jesus, now officially recognized by his disciples as the Messiah, begins to reveal a startling aspect of his mission: He must suffer before entering his glory (16:21-23), and those who follow him will meet a similar fate (16:24-28). 16:21 This is the first of three predictions of Jesus’ passion—his suffering through betrayal, crucifixion, and death (see also 17:22-23; 20:18-19). Each prediction gives a lesson on the cost of discipleship (16:24-27; 20:20-28). • That he would suffer was God’s sovereign and necessary purpose for the Messiah (see 17:12).”
- Luke (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Luke 14 (introduction): Christ heals a man ill of the dropsy, on a Sabbath day, Luk 14:1-6. He inculcates humility by a parable, Luk 14:7-11. The poor to be fed, and not the rich, Luk 14:12-14. The parable of the great supper, Luk 14:15-24. How men must become disciples of Christ, Luk 14:25-27. The parable of the prudent builder, who estimates the cost before he commences his work, Luk 14:28-30. And of the provident king, Luk 14:31, Luk 14:32. The use of these parables, Luk 14:33. The utility of salt while in its strength and perfection; and its total uselessness when it has los”
- Luke (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Luke 14 (introduction): In this chapter we have, I. The cure which our Lord Jesus wrought upon a man that had the dropsy, on the sabbath day, and his justifying himself therein against those who were offended at his doing it on that day (Luk 14:1-6). II. A lesson of humility gives to those who were ambitious of the highest rooms (Luk 14:7-11). III. A lesson of charity to those who feasted the rich, and did not feed the poor (Luk 14:12-14). IV. The success of the gospel not foretold in the parable of the guests invited to a feast, signifying the rejection of the Jews and all ot”