Counting the Cost: Reflections on Luke 14:25-33
In today's Gospel reading from Luke 14:25-33, Jesus delivers one of His most challenging teachings about discipleship. As great crowds followed Him, He turned to address them with words that would have stopped many in their tracks.
The Radical Call to Discipleship
Jesus begins with a statement that seems harsh to modern ears: "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." This isn't about literal hatred, but about priorities. Jesus is teaching us that our relationship with God must take precedence over all earthly relationships, even the most precious ones.
The word "hate" here is better understood as "love less" β a Semitic way of expressing preference. Jesus is calling us to examine what truly holds the first place in our hearts.
Carrying Our Cross
The second requirement Jesus gives is equally demanding: "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple." In Jesus' time, everyone understood what carrying a cross meant β it was the path to death. Jesus is asking for nothing less than complete surrender of our will, our plans, and our very selves.
This isn't a one-time decision but a daily choice to die to ourselves and live for Christ.
The Wisdom of Planning
Jesus then shares two parables that emphasize the importance of counting the cost. The first tells of a man building a tower who must first calculate whether he has enough resources to complete it. The second speaks of a king preparing for war who must assess whether his forces are sufficient.
These parables aren't meant to discourage us from following Jesus, but to ensure we understand the full commitment involved. Discipleship isn't a casual decision β it's a life-altering choice that affects every aspect of our existence.
Giving Up Everything
Jesus concludes with perhaps the most challenging statement of all: "So therefore, whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple."
This doesn't necessarily mean literal poverty for everyone, but it does mean holding all our possessions, relationships, and ambitions with open hands. Everything we have must be subordinate to our commitment to Christ.
Living This Teaching Today
How do we apply this radical teaching in our daily lives? It begins with honest self-examination:
- What takes priority when we're making decisions β our comfort or God's will?
- Are we willing to sacrifice our preferences for the sake of the Gospel?
- Do we hold our possessions and relationships as gifts from God rather than as our own?
The call to discipleship hasn't become easier over the centuries. Jesus still asks for everything. But He also promises that in losing our life for His sake, we will find true life.
As we reflect on this challenging Gospel, let us ask for the grace to respond with generosity to Christ's call, knowing that what He asks of us, He also empowers us to give.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, Your call to discipleship is both challenging and life-giving. Help us to examine our hearts honestly and to place You first in all things. Give us the courage to carry our cross daily and the wisdom to count the cost of following You. May we hold all things lightly except our love for You. Amen.