Lesson 4405

 (Lesson 4405)(02-23-24) Luke 14:25-35 

“And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, If 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. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or 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? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” 

 

In today’s quote, Jesus addressed large crowds, emphasizing the demanding nature of being one of His disciples. He stated that anyone who does not prioritize Him over family, and even their own life, cannot be His disciple. Jesus emphasized the cost of discipleship through two parables: one about devoting to the cost before building a tower and another about a king recognizing and committing to the long haul before going to battle. These examples highlight the importance of being prepared and fully committed to following Him. Jesus concluded by saying that discipleship is like salt: it must maintain its flavor to be valuable. The quote challenges Jesus’ followers to consider the depth of their commitment, illustrating that genuine discipleship requires sacrifice, forethought, and total dedication to Jesus.~