“LUKE 14:25 –
35”
What do you
think is the most
important or critical
choice that you
have made so far in
your life? Why?
Now great crowds
accompanied him, and he turned
and said to them, "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.”
Whoever does not bear his
own cross and come after me
cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:25 – 27: This passage highlights the
seriousness and commitment required to be a
disciple of Jesus. The term "hate" is used
figuratively to emphasize that followers must
prioritize their relationship with Jesus above all
else, including family and their own lives. He
uses strong language, saying one must "hate"
their family and life in comparison to their love
and commitment to Him. It means that nothing
should come before their devotion to Him.
Additionally, "bearing one's cross"
symbolizes the willingness to endure suffering,
sacrifice, and challenges for the sake of
following Jesus. It's a call to total commitment
and dedication.
“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?”
Otherwise, when he has laid a
foundation and is not able to
finish, all who see it begin to
mock him, saying, ‘This man
began to build and was not able
to finish.’
Luke 14:28 – 30: This passage highlights the
importance of careful planning and
considering the cost before committing to a
significant undertaking. Jesus uses the
example of building a tower to illustrate the
necessity of counting the cost of discipleship.
Just as someone would calculate whether they
have the resources to complete a building
project, a person must understand and be
prepared for the sacrifices and challenges
involved in following Jesus. Failing to do so
could lead to failure and public ridicule,
symbolizing the importance of thoughtful
commitment in one's spiritual journey.
“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?”
And if not, while the other is
yet a great way off, he sends a
delegation and asks for terms of
peace. So therefore, any one of you
who does not renounce all that he
Luke 14:31 – 33: This passage illustrates
the importance of careful consideration
before committing to discipleship. It
compares a king who wisely evaluates his
ability to win a battle before engaging in
war. If he realizes he cannot win, he seeks
peace instead.
Similarly, Jesus emphasizes that
becoming his disciple requires thoughtful
deliberation and a willingness to give up
everything. Discipleship involves total
commitment, even to the point of
renouncing all personal possessions and
priorities to fully follow him.
"Salt is good, but if salt
has lost its taste, how
shall its saltiness be
restored? 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."
Luke 14:34 – 35: This passage uses salt as a
metaphor for discipleship and faithfulness. Salt was
valuable in the ancient world for preserving food and
enhancing flavor. The idea is that salt, if it loses its
distinctive quality (its saltiness), becomes useless.
In the same way, Jesus is emphasizing that
disciples must maintain their commitment and
distinctiveness. If they lose their devotion or fail to
live out their faith effectively, they become ineffective
and are of no use in fulfilling their purpose. The call
to "He who has ears to hear, let him hear"
encourages listeners to deeply consider and apply
this teaching in their lives.