Luke 14:28 serves as a powerful reminder of the serious nature of following Yahushua (Jesus). Discipleship is not about making a quick, emotional decision, but about counting the cost and committing to a life of sacrifice, obedience, and faithfulness.
The cost of following Yahushua is often misunderstood. It requires not only faith but a willingness to make sacrifices and follow His teachings fully.
In the Gospel of Luke, Yahushua (Jesus) often used parables and teachings to guide his followers in their spiritual journeys. One of the most profound verses that teaches about the commitment and sacrifices required to follow Yahushua (Jesus) is found in Luke 14:28:
“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” (Luke 14:28, ESV)
This verse is part of a larger passage where Yahushua (Jesus) addresses the nature of discipleship and the importance of considering the serious commitment involved in following Him. It highlights the need for thoughtful decision-making and careful evaluation when embarking on any significant endeavor, particularly the life of discipleship.
Context of Luke 14:28
In the broader context of Luke 14, Yahushua (Jesus) is teaching large crowds about the nature of discipleship. In verses leading up to Luke 14:28, Yahushua (Jesus) makes bold and challenging statements about the cost of following Him, including the need to “hate” one’s own family and even one’s own life (Luke 14:26). These difficult sayings are not meant to be understood literally, but rather as an emphasis on the total commitment required to be a true disciple of Christ.
In the subsequent verses, Yahushua (Jesus) gives two parables to illustrate His point: the first about a person planning to build a tower, and the second about a king preparing for war. Both emphasize the need for careful planning and preparation before making significant commitments. The message is clear: following Yahushua (Jesus) is not something to be entered into lightly.
The Parable of the Tower
Luke 14:28 specifically refers to a person who desires to build a tower. In this parable, Yahushua (Jesus) is using a common image that would have been familiar to his audience, especially those who lived in agricultural or rural settings. A tower was a structure often built as part of a farm or vineyard, used for watching over the land or as a storage place. Building a tower was no small task and required careful planning, time, and resources.
Yahushua (Jesus) uses this example to illustrate the need to evaluate the full cost of any undertaking before committing to it. Just as a builder would first calculate how much it would take to complete the tower, a disciple must consider the personal, financial, social, and emotional costs of following Christ. Discipleship, in this sense, requires sacrifice and a willingness to give up certain comforts and priorities.
Counting the Cost of Discipleship
Luke 14:28 challenges Christians to count the cost of following Yahushua (Jesus). This means reflecting deeply on the sacrifices required: the potential for suffering, the rejection of worldly ambitions, and the need to prioritize Yahushua (Jesus) above all other relationships. Discipleship involves turning away from self-centeredness and embracing a life of humility, service, and sacrifice for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom.
Commitment:
Just as a builder would never start a project without having the necessary resources to finish it, Christians are called to follow Yahushua (Jesus) with full commitment. This commitment is not just to start the journey, but to remain faithful to the end. The Christian life involves enduring through trials, challenges, and moments of doubt, and remaining dedicated to Christ despite difficulties.
Sacrifice:
The cost of discipleship may also involve tangible sacrifices. Yahushua (Jesus) is not promising an easy or comfortable life. In fact, He warns that following Him could lead to opposition, suffering, and loss of status or wealth. However, the rewards of following Christ—eternal life, peace, and joy—far outweigh these earthly sacrifices.
Evaluation of Priorities:
Luke 14:28 also calls for an honest self-evaluation of one’s priorities. The decision to follow Christ is not just about a commitment to a set of beliefs, but about reordering one’s entire life around the will of God. For some, this may involve major life changes, including leaving behind certain relationships, careers, or pursuits that do not align with God’s Kingdom.
Application for Today
In today’s world, the concept of counting the cost remains just as relevant. The pressures of modern society—materialism, consumerism, and the pursuit of personal success—often clash with the call of the Gospel. The choice to follow Yahushua (Jesus) can require difficult decisions, such as choosing simplicity over excess, or valuing spiritual growth over worldly ambition.
Furthermore, in an age of instant gratification and short attention spans, Yahushua (Jesus)’ teaching in Luke 14:28 challenges individuals to resist the temptation of rushing into decisions without considering the long-term consequences. True discipleship requires long-term dedication and perseverance, much like the builder who must finish the tower or the king who must win the battle.
Conclusion
Luke 14:28 serves as a powerful reminder of the serious nature of following Yahushua (Jesus). Discipleship is not about making a quick, emotional decision, but about counting the cost and committing to a life of sacrifice, obedience, and faithfulness. Just as a builder must calculate whether he has the resources to finish his project, so too must we evaluate whether we are prepared to live out the demands of the Gospel.
In the end, the cost of following Yahushua (Jesus) is nothing compared to the rewards He offers—eternal life, peace, and a place in His Kingdom. The challenge of Luke 14:28 is not just about making an informed decision, but about wholeheartedly committing to the life of faith that Christ calls us to live.
