Counting the cost
Today's focusLike a builder or a king planning wisely, would-be disciples must count the cost, putting Jesus above every other loyalty.
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25And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26If 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. 27And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31Or 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? 32Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. 33So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
Reflection
In this passage, Jesus speaks to the "great multitudes" following him, clarifying that being a disciple requires more than just walking in a crowd. He uses the image of a builder "intending to build a tower" who must first sit down and count the cost to see if he has "sufficient to finish it." Following Jesus is not a casual decision; it is a commitment that involves your whole life. Just as a king must consult his strength before going to war, you are invited to consider the gravity of walking this path.
Jesus uses strong language to show that our devotion to him must be primary. To "bear his cross" and "come after" him means that every other relationship—even your love for your own family and "his own life also"—must take second place to your loyalty to Christ. Jesus asks for a heart that "forsaketh not all that he hath." While this call is demanding, it is also an invitation to a life of integrity. By counting the cost now, you ensure that your foundation is firm and that you will be "able to finish" the journey you have begun with him.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
What has following Jesus already cost you, and what might it cost you in the season ahead?
Pray
Lord, you are worth more than everything I have. Help me count the cost honestly and follow you gladly. Where other loyalties have taken first place, gently put them in their right place.