Luke 14:25-35

Luke 14:25-35

[25] And  there went  great  multitudes  with him:  and  he turned,  and said  unto  them,  [26] man come  to  and  hate  not  his  father,  and  mother,  and  wife,  and  children,  and  brethren,  and  sisters,  yea,  his own  life  also,  he cannot  disciple.  [27] And  whosoever  not  bear  cross,  and  come  after  cannot  disciple.  [28] For  which  of  intending  to build  a tower,  not  down  first,  and counteth  the cost,  whether  he have  finish  [29] after he  hath laid  the foundation,  and  not  able  to finish  it, all  that behold  it begin  to mock  him,  [30] Saying,  This  man  began  to build,  and  not  able  to finish.  [31] Or  what  king,  going  to make  war  against  another  king,  not  down  first,  and consulteth  whether  able  with  ten  thousand  him that cometh  against  him  with  twenty  thousand?  [32] Or else,  while the other  yet  a great way off,  he sendeth  an ambassage,  and desireth  conditions  of peace.  [33] So  likewise,  whosoever  he be of  that  forsaketh  not  all  he cannot  disciple.  [34] Salt  is good:  but  if  the salt  have lost his savour,  wherewith  shall it be seasoned?  [35] neither  fit  for  the land,  nor yet  for  the dunghill;  but men cast  it  out.  He that hath  ears  to hear, 

What does Luke 14:25-35 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Luke had just recorded Jesus" teaching about God"s gracious invitation to enjoy the messianic banquet in the kingdom. It was free for all who would respond. Jesus taught elsewhere that responding meant believing on Him. Now Luke recorded Jesus" teaching that though salvation was free, discipleship was costly. This is important balancing revelation. Salvation guarantees heaven, but it also calls for complete commitment to Jesus, not to secure heaven but to express gratitude for heaven.
"The theme of the cost of accompanying Jesus runs like a refrain throughout Lk. ( Luke 9:57-62; Luke 18:24-30)." [1]