Are You Ready... To Be Jesus' Disciple, Pt 3

Luke 14:28–33 (NASB95)

28 “For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? 29 “Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 “Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 “Or else, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. 33 “So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.

A monumental objective

Jesus furthers his speech regarding being his disciple and does so by giving two illustrations or parables to drive his point further. While they are two pictures, there are essential messages from both that relate to his demands of discipleship. The first picture he gives is of building a tower, which in that day could’ve been 20 to 150 ft tall. The second picture is of two kings at war. Both pictures convey a monumental objective at hand.

That Demands Careful Consideration

Since they are both monumental or very important objectives or goals, no one just rushes into either laxly. Meaning it’s not something to be taken for granted. The pictures are different, but there are some common words in both parables that help us pull out the intent. Notice, after Jesus mentions the objectives, he then says that those persons will “first sit down” and “calculate the cost”/”consider”. Meaning when you have such a monumental objective, it demands careful consideration. So careful where it causes you to sit down and meditate on it!!

Is what I have sufficient?

Well what exactly is it that one is meditating about, regarding any great effort such as building or war? The question being asked is do I have enough!!! Do I have what’s sufficient to meet this demand?

That Fails Without Careful Consideration

Now watch this! With both, Jesus shows the logical and wise route one would take. But then he shows what happens with the alternative, that is if there’s no careful consideration given for such a great task. First picture indicates the finish line won’t be reached. Second picture indicates the grace period for peace will expire before attack. Both are saying that the objectives will certainly fail if the proper assessment isn’t given.

Be Jesus’ Disciple - Objective

Now Jesus makes the connection with his main point, saying likewise. Well what’s the monumental objective in this passage? Be My Disciple!!!

Application - Understand that deciding to connect and become a student and subject of Jesus is no small deal. It is not hop skotch in the park. It’s not a lightweight matter. It’s not legos, it’s more like trying to build a personal skyscraper. How significant do you see it?

Does Not Give Up All His Own Possessions - Consideration

It seems like a strange connection. But when you line it all up, it makes sense. Discipleship is the monumental objective, what then is the careful consideration? Jesus says “Who doesn’t give up all that he/she possesses”. Wait wait, now we’re not dealing with people, we’re dealing with possessions (what you own or have). Give up, literally means to detach and say goodbye!!

Application: Understand, Jesus is not discouraging discipleship, he wants to make sure it’s not treated loosely. Can you own stuff, sure. The bigger question is can you give it up for Jesus? Put yourself back then. He was literally demanding they walk away from what they owned to journey WITH him as disciples. No other commands yet, but just the decision for him to be your Lord and Master!!!

If you don’t think this is that big of a deal, let’s first see examples in their day, then let’s fast forward to our modern context.

Example 1: Luke 14:18-19 - Come on. I have a field and need to attend to it. I bought 5 oxen, and need to see what they can do. Luke 18:22-23 - He had done all the moral stuff. Jesus said one thing you lack. Sell what you have and give it to the poor, then follow me. Wealthy and sad.

Modern Context - Understand, renouncing your possessions is a fight with American culture. Consumerism (society as whole) and materialism (individual). Consumerism - social position or value connected with what we consume or have. It is customer spending to attain a lifestyle in capitalist economy.

Wrong to own what we own? No. The question is, in this culture, can we give it up for Jesus? Demanding your time, effort, and money here, can you give up x y z? The least of these need this, can you say good bye? What can’t we give up?? How has a pursuit of stuff and social position impacted our attention to Christ?

Example: When Judas betrayed Jesus, it was for 30 pieces of silver.

Cannot - Failed Objective

Judas threw away his discipleship for 30 pieces of silver. Are we renouncing Christ for pursuit of American dream. Do we have 30 pieces of something?