February 11, 2020
Worth It All
Luke 14:25–35
Anna Webb
Central Truth
Although salvation is free, discipleship is costly. Following Jesus in response to the great love He has shown us is worth every sacrifice.
Key Verse | Luke 14:33
"So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple."
Luke 14:25–35
The Cost of Discipleship
25 Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 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? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. 33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.
Salt Without Taste Is Worthless
34 Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? 35 It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Dive Deeper | Luke 14:25–35
April 29, 2017: My team stepped off the mat and looked up at the scoreboard. When the numbers popped up, we became back-to-back collegiate national champions.
August 21, 2017: I stepped into my head coach’s office, looked her in the eyes, and told her that I would be leaving the team.
When asked for an explanation for walking away from success, notoriety, and status, all I could think was, "I have counted up the cost, and Jesus, You are worth it all."
In Luke 14:25-35 Jesus looks out and sees a great crowd. There were multitudes with Jesus, but not many following Jesus. There is a distinct difference between the two, and Jesus leaned into this moment to explain two characteristics of a devoted disciple.
Hate is a strong word, especially when used to describe close relationships (Luke 14:26). However, it is the first thing Jesus mentions. He does not want us to literally hate these people. He simply means that He must be our first love. The love we have for our family, friends, and even our own lives should pale in comparison to our love for Jesus.
In the next breath, Jesus tells us to bear our crosses and follow Him (Luke 14:27). The life of a disciple is marked by sacrifice and absolute surrender, and this charge isn't without Christ's own example. He paid the ultimate sacrifice when He died on the cross for our sins so we could be reconciled to God (Romans 5:8-10).
Being with Jesus as a member of the crowd is easy, but being a follower of Jesus as a disciple is demanding. Although salvation is free (Romans 6:23), discipleship is costly. Jesus desires that we not only hear about the life He brings but receive it through relationship with Him (John 5:24). Following Jesus in response to the great love He has shown us is worth every sacrifice. I have counted up the cost and found that Jesus is worth it all. Have you?
"He who has ears to hear, let him hear." (Luke 14:35c)
Discussion Questions
1. Have you made the decision to step out from the crowd to become a devoted follower of Christ? If not, what is holding you back? Read John 1:12; Romans 6:23, 10:9-10; 1 Peter 3:18.
2. What have you allowed to replace Jesus as the first love in your life? Read Revelation 2:1-7.
3. What are some areas in your life in which you have been slow to sacrifice or surrender to God? How have they held you back from being a fully devoted follower of Christ?