What To Tell Those Outside

Luke 14:25-33

Theme: Jesus teaches the Pharisees Key verse: v.7

35 verses; 812 words

Grade level: 5.9

Outline:

I. Jesus speaks to the Lawyers in the Pharisee's house. vs. 1-6

II. Jesus speaks to all the Guests in the Pharisee's house. vs. 7-14

III. Jesus speaks to an unknown man in the Pharisee's house. vs. 15-24

IV. Jesus speaks to the crowd outside the Pharisee's house. vs. 25-35

We have the inside crowd of uppity, cliquish, Pharisees that think they are God’s only help and hope.

In that crowd they have “levels” of honor amongst themselves with each aspiring to move up the ladder.

Our example from Jesus is to preach to them to get right.

When they do not listen we turn to the outside just like He did.

Here is what we must tell them to count:

I. We Must Count The Christ. vs.26-27

25 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,

26 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.

Followers of Jesus Christ must have Him as their focus.

“hate” -

The word “hate,” here, is used in the sense of not following the desires of someone else (Judg. 14:16). It is also used in a comparative sense. Did you ever read back there in Genesis where “Leah was hated” (Gen. 29:31)? Well, for hating Leah, Jacob certainly had enough children by her, didn’t he? But look at the verse right above it: “he loved Rachel MORE than Leah” (Gen. 29:30). Jacob “hated” Leah in the sense that he loved her less than he loved Rachel.

“disciple” -

In Acts 11:26, it was “the DISCIPLES” who “were called Christians first in Antioch.” A Christian is a saved sinner who is faithfully trying to follow Christ as a disciple.

The proper priorities reflect right responsibilities:

Jesus first.

Others second.

Yourself last.

We must learn Jesus goes before family.

Jesus left His Father’s presence.

He left for 33 years.

Most never make one term on the field.

Jesus left His mother’s presence.

“Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business” (Luke 2:49)

Most will not.

II. We Must Count The Cross. v.27

27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Your cross is unique.

His cross was humiliation and atonement.

Your cross is bringing your desires to death.

Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

“reckon...yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:11).

III. We Must Count The Cost. vs.28-33

First there is work. vs.28-30

The initial survey of the cost. v.28

28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

The initial shaping of the construction. v.29

29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

The inquiring statement of the coarse. v.30

30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

Then there is war. vs.31-33

The consultation with his people. v.31

31 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?

The conditions of peace. v.32

32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

The consideration of pleasing THE King. v.33

33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

Conclusion:

Are you counting on Christ to save you?

Do you bear your cross or are you too busy bearing others’ cross?

Have you considered the cost of surrender?