The Parable of Counting the Cost - Luke 14:28-33 - Parables of Jesus Bible Study

The parable of counting the Cost is found in Luke 14:28-33. In this parable, Jesus teaches the importance of counting the cost of discipleship. Jesus uses two parables to illustrate that following Him requires careful consideration and total commitment. Let's talk about it. 

Luke 14:28-33:

²⁸ 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? ²⁹ Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, ³⁰ saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ ³¹ 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? ³² And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. ³³ So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.

Jesus uses the example of a man planning to build a tower. He emphasizes the importance of calculating the cost before starting, to ensure he has enough resources to complete it. Otherwise, he risks being mocked for not finishing what he started.

Jesus presents another parable about a king preparing for war. The king must consider whether he can win with his current army. If not, he should seek terms of peace before engaging in battle.

Jesus concludes by stating that anyone who wants to be His disciple must be willing to give up everything they have. This underscores the total commitment required to follow Him. These teachings remind us that following Jesus is a serious and life-changing decision that requires wholehearted dedication and readiness to face challenges.

Jesus, may we count the cost of following you, laying ourselves down and bearing our cross because you are worthy of it all. Amen.

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