A Study Of The Parables – Counting the Cost

by Micky Galloway

As Jesus traveled toward Jerusalem, through Perea, huge crowds were following Him. Jesus suddenly tells them what true discipleship means, “If any man cometh unto me, and hateth not his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). These words are very similar to those found in Matthew 10:37, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Clearly the meaning of the word “hate” in Luke 14:26 is to love less. This is illustrated in the Old Testament text of Genesis 29:31, “And Jehovah saw that Leah was hated…” The explanation of “hated” is seen in verse 30, “And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah…” In all things we must love Christ more than others, He must have first place or “pre-eminence” (Colossians 1:18). Jesus is teaching that the cost of discipleship means wholehearted devotion to Himself that must be more than even attachment to parents and to other family members. Even one’s own life must be subjected to Jesus. “Whosoever doth not bear his own cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27). Jesus stated in Matthew’s account, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Publicly carrying a cross was the brand of a criminal doomed to execution (cf. Luke 9:23-24). It is a serious decision to willingly take up one’s cross and follow Jesus. The Lord asked for intelligent appraisal of the cost of discipleship and for complete renunciation of all claims to one’s own life.

Jesus uses two illustrations to help this large crowd understand the cost of discipleship. Though these are not specifically called parables, they fit well the definition of a parable. The word “parable” means “to place beside, to cast alongside.” As defined by Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, it “signifies a placing of one thing beside another with a view to comparison.” Wiersbe’s description of a parable is “a story that places one thing beside another for the purpose of teaching … It puts the known next to the unknown so that we may learn.”

The Rash Builder. Luke 14:28-30, “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doth not first sit down and count the cost, whether he have (wherewith) to complete it? Lest haply, when he hath laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all that behold begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.” It has been said that at the time of the story, Pilate had started, but was unable to complete, because of lack of funds, a magnificent aqueduct. It was not unusual, we are told, for people of that day to initiate plans and begin to erect great public buildings that could not be completed. What the tower was in Jesus’ illustration, we are not told. Perhaps it was a watchtower for a farmer’s vineyard, or an extra place for storage, or perhaps a dwelling. Whatever it was, the man should have counted the cost before starting the building lest he become a laughingstock and an object of ridicule.

The lesson is clear. We must look before we leap. Before one decides to become a disciple of Christ, he must realize that being a Christian is not easy. Nowhere does God teach us that we can escape life’s varied afflictions because we are His children. Concerning the afflictions of God’s people, Peter said, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you: but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy” (I Peter 4:12-13). Too many view life’s afflictions with a “why me?” disposition, questioning, accusing, and renouncing God because of life’s tragedies. But God says, “If thou faint in the day of adversity, Thy strength is small” (Proverbs 24:10). Addressing Christians who were suffering severe persecution for their faith, Jesus said, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). Rather than Christians giving a cowardly retreat when confronted with tribulations, Jesus said to be faithful even if it costs your life! Life’s trials must not become excuses for our negligence in service to God. We are assured, “Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (II Timothy 3:12). “These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Indeed, we are not promised a bed of roses.

The Reasonable King. “Or what king, as he goeth to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and asketh conditions of peace” (Luke 14:31-32). In the previous illustration, the builder had a choice to build or not to build. In this illustration, it seems inevitable that the King must fight or make peace, for it appears he is under attack. There is someone “coming against him” with twenty thousand soldiers.

The lesson again is clear. Just as this king must act, we cannot remain neutral, we too must act. The application of this parable is to the consideration that ought to be exercised when we take upon us a profession of being a Christian. Solomon says, “Every purpose is established by counsel; And by wise guidance make thou war” (Proverbs 20:18). So, with good advice, become a Christian. Yet, know this … that, except you forsake all you have, you cannot be Christ’s disciple; that is, you must willingly commit to forsake all, for all that will live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution. Indeed, we face a formidable foe. “Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8). Peace with the devil is not an option, we must fight! How much better it is to fight with the Lord on your side.

These two little parables form a unit and the lessons are clear. Look before you leap, but leap you must … just be sure you leap in the right direction!