Counting The Cost

Luke 14:25-35

In the preceding verses, Jesus described a group of people who were invited to a free dinner with the king. While there was no charge for the dinner, it would require giving their time and energy to travel to where the dinner was held. Most of those invited were not interested enough to put aside their own plans and goals to attend. As a result, they lost the opportunity to partake. Jesus continues with the same subject in this passage.

“And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, If 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. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:25-27)

Many Navajos find it difficult to give up their Navajo tradition for Christ. Others will not go against their family. Many musicians or athletes are unwilling to give up their aspirations to become Christians. Jesus said they cannot be saved if they are not willing to do so. The bumper sticker which advises, “Try Jesus” implies a false understanding of what faith requires. Jesus said that would not work. There is more involved than simply saying a few words.

When Paul said that if we believe in our hearts in Romans 10:9-10, he was not speaking of simple mental assent, but as recognizing that he is the only possible way of salvation, as demonstrated by his resurrection from the dead. That belief must be strong enough to produce a commitment to follow God whatever happens. The same type of commitment is required in many areas of life.

"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.” (Luke 14:28-30)

No qualified contractor or lumberyard will take the contract for materials to build a home unless they are sure you are able and willing to commit enough to do the job. They wait until the commitment is made before starting work, because they do not want to lose on the job. Christ is not willing to throw away his sacrifice on someone who isn’t willing to commit. What an embarrassment it is to see people who started out but quit.

“Or 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? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.” (Luke 14:31-32)

It is just as foolish for a king to commit to a war without considering what will be required. If he cannot commit to winning, failure is certain. He must be willing to give everything it costs before he begins. Anyone who is not willing to make such a commitment cannot be saved.

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:33)

Baptism is the first demonstration of that commitment. Refusal to follow through on even the first step implies there was no meaningful commitment, and thus no real faith to begin with. Without the necessary ingredient of faith that makes him different than others, the person is just a facsimile of a Christian. He may give every appearance but he is not real. He is of no value anywhere. He’s like some kind of salt substitute.

“Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It 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 14:34-35)

Real salt can’t lose it’s flavor. It is an inherent part of the compound. Salt substitutes, on the other hand have to have a flavor added. Without it, they are worthless, as they cannot do the other things real salt would do, and cannot provide the proper taste. Disposing of them may pollute the ground they fall on. False brethren harm the cause of Christ by turning others from the truth as Paul points out in Galatians 2:4, when he talks about the effort to turn people back to their old culture and prac