Counting the Cost

After sending the multitude away, Jesus explained the parable of the tares in the wheat.  He then went on to use additional parables to help them understand more about the kingdom of heaven.  The first two, in Matthew 13:44-46 illustrate the value of being a child of God.  “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” 

Both men valued what they found so much they were willing to give up everything they had to obtain the treasure.  Had they not done so, they would not have obtained it.  It was not some impulsive decision, but required a deliberate effort to sell off what they had in order to obtain what they wanted.  It is the same point Jesus made in Luke 14:26-33.  “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.

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.

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.  So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”

The Greek word translated disciple, used here means a pupil or follower.  The verb form of the word means to cause to become a pupil or disciple, and is translated teach in Matthew 28:19.  “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”  The word translated teaching in the next verse is a different word and just means to teach.  Literally, Jesus said unless a person is willing to commit themselves fully to Christ they cannot be saved.  They need to give it serious thought before they make a profession of faith.  Matthew 7:21 warns,  “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”    Without a commitment to follow Christ they cannot be saved, and such a commitment requires counting what it will cost.  Far too often, people make a profession without counting the cost, and when persecution or problems arise they turn away, exactly as Jesus described the seed which fell on stony ground, because it had no root in itself.    

I realize that this directly contradicts many popular teachings today, so I recommend you do further study to see whether it is what the Bible teaches or not.  Remember that Jesus, and all the writers of the New Testament warned about false teachers.  Please take the time to find out what the scriptures actually teach for your own good.