Cost of Discipleship

The Cost of Discipleship

May we hear—and obey—letting 

Christ bear fruit 

in us through wholehearted discipleship.

 Luke 14:25–35 

The Road to the Cross and the Call to Discipleship

As we enter Luke 14:25–35, Jesus is no longer ministering quietly in Galilean villages or healing in the synagogue. He is on the road—moving steadily and deliberately toward Jerusalem, toward the cross. The shadow of Calvary already looms over His teaching, and the tone of His words reflects the urgency and weight of what lies ahead. The crowds are swelling in number, drawn by His miracles, His parables, and perhaps the hope that He might be the kind of Messiah who would overthrow Roman power. But Jesus knows their hearts—and He knows the cost of what lies before Him. He is not interested in gathering admirers. He is calling disciples.

In Luke’s Gospel, this section falls within a broader travel narrative that begins in Luke 9:51, where Jesus “set His face to go to Jerusalem.” From that turning point, His teachings become more intense, more demanding, and more clarifying. He is preparing His followers—not for comfort, but for costly obedience. In Luke 14, Jesus has just finished teaching about humility at a Pharisee’s dinner (vv. 1–24), concluding with a parable of a great banquet that few were willing to attend. Immediately after, He turns to the large crowds trailing behind Him and speaks words that must have stunned them: if you are not willing to hate your family, carry your cross, and give up everything, you cannot be my disciple. These were not easy sayings—they were filters, separating those curious about Jesus from those truly willing to follow Him.

This passage isn’t just about personal piety or moral improvement—it’s about ultimate allegiance. Jesus demands more than belief; He demands the kind of surrender that shapes our priorities, our possessions, our relationships, and even our view of life itself. And He does so not from a throne of earthly power, but while walking toward a cross. As we study these verses, we are invited to hear Jesus not as a distant teacher, but as a crucified and risen Lord—calling us to count the cost, carry the cross, and live as His disciples with grace-fueled courage.

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for gathering us today—across screens and schedules—to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to His Word. As we open the Scriptures, give us ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to each of us. Help us not just to be hearers, but doers—ready to follow wherever Christ leads.

Lord, we confess that we often come with expectations shaped by comfort and ease. But today, may we be confronted afresh by Jesus’ call to take up our cross, count the cost, and love Him above all else. Give us the courage to surrender what we cling to, and the joy of walking in wholehearted obedience.

Let Your Word be living and active among us today. May it stir conviction, deepen our faith, and form us more fully into the likeness of Your Son.

In Jesus’ name we pray,

Amen.

Listening, not admiring

Luke 14:25

“Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said:”

At first glance, the image of “large crowds” following Jesus might suggest the beginning of a triumphal movement, with momentum, popularity, and swelling enthusiasm. But Jesus is never deceived by numbers. He knows that admiration is not the same as allegiance. The crowd was drawn by His miracles, teachings, and perhaps the hope of political liberation—but Jesus knew their hearts. Instead of riding the wave of popularity, He stops, turns, and deliberately addresses them with sobering clarity. This turning point is both physical and spiritual. He faces them and speaks words that sift true followers from superficial fans. Jesus was not interested in shallow professions of loyalty. He sought those who understood that the path ahead would cost everything.

Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase, “He spoke bluntly,” captures the gravity of the moment. Jesus confronts the crowd with the true demands of discipleship, not to repel them in cruelty, but to refine their motives. Like in John 2:24, where Jesus “did not entrust himself” to those who believed merely because of signs, here He lays bare the cost of following Him. He refuses to reduce the gospel to crowd-pleasing rhetoric. His love speaks truth—even when it is hard. In this brief verse, we glimpse a Savior who is utterly committed to depth over breadth, authenticity over acclaim, and formation over fandom. The crowd follows Him physically—but now He asks if they are ready to follow Him with their lives.

Supreme love for Christ

Luke 14:26

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.”

This verse is perhaps one of the most jarring statements Jesus ever made—and intentionally so. By commanding His followers to “hate” their closest family members and even their own lives, He arrests attention with strong Semitic hyperbole.( Semitic hyperbole is a common literary device in ancient Jewish teaching that uses deliberate exaggeration to emphasize a point or convey urgency, not to be taken literally.)  In the ancient Jewish context, “hate” did not imply emotional hostility, but rather a decisive preference—to love less in comparison. Jesus is calling for ultimate allegiance. He is not instructing disciples to abandon affection for family, but to reorder their loves so that nothing—no relationship, no comfort, not even life itself—stands in the way of wholehearted devotion to Him. William Barclay rightly clarifies, “He means that no love in life can compare with the love we must bear to Him.” In that light, this verse isn’t about severing ties, but about rightly prioritizing loyalty, placing Christ above all else.

Jesus’ call is radical because love for family was considered sacred in Jewish life—and rightly so. Yet, He reveals that our deepest and truest identity is found not in biological bonds but in being united with Him. J.B. Phillips captures the weight of this demand with his stark paraphrase: “He cannot be a disciple of mine.” Matthew 10:37 underscores this when Jesus says, “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.” The call to discipleship is not merely an invitation to believe, but a summons to reorient our entire lives around Jesus. John Stott reminds us that Christianity is not a casual interest or weekend pursuit—it is a wholehearted commitment that reorders every part of our lives, shaping how we relate to God, to others, and to ourselves. True faith transforms not only what we believe, but how we live and love.

When we embrace this, we echo Paul’s words in Galatians 2:20: “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Christ doesn’t call us to love less, but to love better—by loving Him most, we learn to love others rightly, sacrificially, and eternally.

Daily self-denial

Luke 14:27

“And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”

To carry one’s cross in Jesus’ time was not a poetic phrase or spiritual metaphor—it was a brutal and public declaration of death. When Jesus called His disciples to “carry their cross,” He was inviting them into a path marked by rejection, suffering, and surrender. This was no sanitized symbol. It evoked the image of a condemned man forced to shoulder the very instrument of his execution. Jesus’ words here reject any shallow notion of easy-believism. Discipleship is not passive or casual—it is costly. It means laying aside self-centered ambitions and embracing a life shaped by Christ’s self-giving love.The cross is not meant to be a symbol of decoration or mere admiration—it is the very instrument by which we die to self and are made alive in Christ. It represents the daily surrender and transformation at the heart of true discipleship. True discipleship is not an addition to life; it is a complete reorientation of life around the crucified and risen Lord.

Jesus expands on this theme in Luke 9:23, where He calls each believer to “take up your cross daily and follow me.” This isn’t a one-time act of surrender but a daily rhythm of dying to self in order to live for Christ. Paul echoes this in Romans 12:1, urging believers to offer themselves as “living sacrifices.” Such language demands not just belief, but embodied devotion. As Thomas à Kempis wrote, “Jesus has many lovers of His kingdom, but few bearers of His cross.” Many are eager for the crown, but few embrace the cross. The path of Christ leads through suffering, but it also leads to resurrection. To carry the cross is to walk the road of transformation—where our pride is crucified, our will is surrendered, and our identity is remade in Him. The question is not merely, “Do I believe in Jesus?” but “Am I following Him—even when it costs everything?”

Calculated commitment

Luke 14:28–30

Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, “This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.

Jesus, the master teacher, illustrates discipleship through the image of a man building a tower—an endeavor that requires planning, provision, and perseverance. His point is clear: don’t begin unless you’re ready to finish. Discipleship is not an impulsive decision sparked by a moment of inspiration; it is a lifetime journey marked by commitment, sacrifice, and self-examination. Many start the Christian life with enthusiasm, but without counting the cost, they falter when trials come. J.B. Lightfoot wisely remarks, “Faith, if genuine, includes forethought. Grace invites, but never deceives.” Jesus is not trying to discourage us, but to clarify what following Him entails—so we are not surprised when the road is steep and long. This is not about earning salvation, but about realizing that grace is never cheap. Matthew Henry cautions, “Those who take up religion merely upon a flash, will soon be ashamed of it.” The Christian life cannot be built on emotional impulses alone—it must be founded on a clear-eyed decision to follow Jesus, whatever the cost.

Alexander Maclaren reminds us that the aim of the Christian life is not simply to seek comfort or happiness, but to be shaped into the likeness of Christ. True discipleship involves building a life of strong, godly character—like constructing a tower that reflects the strength and beauty of our Lord. Becoming a Christian is not the end goal; being conformed to Christ is. This aligns with Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 2:12, to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling”—not to earn God’s love, but to actively participate in becoming who we are in Christ. In 1 Corinthians 3:12–14, Paul describes our lives as buildings that will be tested by fire, revealing the quality of our work. The tower must be built with enduring material—daily obedience, quiet sacrifice, unwavering faith. True disciples take time to count the cost because they aim to finish the race, not just start it. Christ invites us not to a shallow sprint but to the construction of a life that can weather storms and stand when tested.

Spiritual readiness

Luke 14:31–32

Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace.

In these verses, Jesus turns from the image of building to that of battle. He compares the disciple to a king about to go to war—a vivid reminder that following Him is not only about construction, but conflict. The Christian life is not a neutral or passive journey; it is a confrontation with spiritual forces, worldly values, and our own sinful nature. Before engaging in such a battle, a wise king sits down to assess his strength—and so must we. This parable underscores the need for honest self-evaluation: Do I understand the demands of discipleship? Am I prepared for hardship, opposition, and spiritual warfare? Eugene Peterson rightly says, “You can’t get ready on the run. The life of faith demands premeditation.” Jesus wants disciples who are not only enthusiastic but equipped—people who know that surrendering to Christ is not an escape from battle, but an entrance into it.

Yet the most sobering part of this illustration is the moment when the king, realizing he cannot win on his own, sends for terms of peace. This is not defeat—it is wisdom. Jesus is gently calling us to renounce self-reliance and come to terms with God before it’s too late. Timothy Keller emphasizes that the gospel is not merely the starting point of the Christian life—it is the foundation for the entire journey. True discipleship begins with surrender to Christ and continues in daily dependence on His grace. Every step forward in spiritual growth is shaped by the same gospel that first called us.

True discipleship begins when we admit our weakness, lay down our pride, and receive the grace that God offers. As James 4:7 exhorts, “Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” And in Ephesians 6:10–17, Paul reminds us that we do not fight alone—we are clothed in the armor of God. To follow Jesus is to take our place in a spiritual war—but with the assurance that our King fights for us, and that in surrender to Him, we find true peace.

Full surrender

Luke 14:33

“In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.”

In this piercing conclusion to His discourse on discipleship, Jesus states the requirement in unmistakable terms: complete surrender. To “give up everything” does not necessarily mean selling all possessions, but rather renouncing the claim of ownership over anything. It is a transfer of title—our resources, relationships, ambitions, and even our very selves are no longer ours, but Christ’s. We are stewards, not masters. Jesus challenges not just our wallets, but our wills. True discipleship means holding all things—our time, talents, security, comfort—with open hands. We come to realize that we cannot ultimately depend on ourselves—our abilities, achievements, or resources. All that we have is a gift, held by grace, not earned by merit. Nothing we possess is truly ours, and nothing is too valuable to place into the hands of the One who gave everything for us. True discipleship begins when we release our grip on self-sufficiency and embrace the freedom of surrendering all to Christ.

This verse also reminds us that discipleship isn’t about mere addition—adding Jesus onto an already busy or self-directed life. It’s about subtraction and reordering. When we loosen our grip on the things of this world, we make room to truly find God. In surrendering what we cling to—our possessions, desires, and self-will—we discover a far greater gain. This is the paradox of discipleship: when we give up all, we don’t end up empty—we are filled with the presence and peace of Christ. As Thomas à Kempis taught, the path to spiritual rest and true riches begins with the relinquishment of all lesser loves.

 To the rich young ruler, Jesus said plainly, “Sell everything… then come follow me” (Mark 10:21), not to impoverish him, but to free him. Paul expresses the same truth in Philippians 3:8, declaring, “I count all things loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.” When we give up everything, we don’t end up with nothing—we gain Christ, who is everything. Discipleship is not about what we leave behind, but about who we are following. In losing our grip on lesser things, we are finally free to take hold of what is eternal.

Holy distinctiveness

Luke 14:34–35

Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure heap; it is thrown out. ‘Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.

Jesus closes this powerful discourse on discipleship with a sharp and sobering metaphor: salt. Salt in the ancient world symbolized purity, preservation, and flavor—qualities that defined a faithful disciple’s impact on the world. Jesus affirms that “salt is good,” but He immediately warns that salt can lose its distinctiveness, becoming tasteless and useless. In the same way, disciples who do not live out the radical surrender He has just described lose their power to influence, witness, and preserve the truth in a decaying world. This is not about losing salvation, but about losing usefulness in the kingdom. Those who profess to follow Christ but do not live distinctly from the world are among the least useful and most concerning members of the church. Their compromised witness does more to hinder the gospel than help it, for they have lost both their flavor and their force. Jesus is not looking for cultural Christians or convenient followers—He desires those whose lives carry the unmistakable mark of grace, truth, and holy conviction.

The tragedy of lost saltiness is not that it is neutral—it is that it becomes discarded, trampled, or spit out, as Jesus warns in Revelation 3:16: “Because you are lukewarm… I will spit you out of my mouth.” Nominal discipleship—faith without fire, belief without obedience—is offensive because it misrepresents the Gospel. One of the great tragedies facing the modern church is not the hostility it encounters from the outside world, but the spiritual dullness found within—when those who claim the name of Christ have lost their distinctiveness, conviction, and vitality. We were meant to be salt: to bring flavor to a bland world, to preserve what is good, and to provoke thirst for righteousness. Matthew 5:13 affirms, “You are the salt of the earth.” But this identity must be lived, not merely professed. Jesus ends with the plea: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” It is a call not just to listen, but to respond—distinctively, sacrificially, and faithfully—as true disciples who still carry the savor of Christ.

A Cross-Shaped Life in the Kingdom of God

As we reach the end of this powerful passage, we are left with no illusions about what Jesus expects from those who follow Him. He has not changed the subject from the kingdom of God—He has shown us what it costs to live within it. The kingdom is not a place of casual belonging, but of radical allegiance. It is freely offered to all, yet it claims everything in return. Jesus does not beg for followers; He filters them with truth. He turns to the crowd, not to flatter but to form them—calling not for popularity, but for profound surrender.

The imagery Jesus uses is not light: hating family (in comparison), carrying a cross, building a tower, waging war, relinquishing possessions, and losing saltiness. These are images of cost, risk, discipline, and seriousness. But they are not bleak—they are beautifully honest. Because the one who calls us to such commitment is the very one who walks the road to Jerusalem, where He will carry His own cross, surrender His own life, and purchase for us a kingdom that cannot be shaken. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer once wrote, “When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.” Yet in that dying, we find true life.

The kingdom of God is not inherited by convenience, nor maintained by mere emotion. It is entered by grace, embraced through faith, and lived out with resilient devotion. May we, like wise builders and surrendered soldiers, count the cost—and joyfully follow the One who first counted the cost for us.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,

Thank You for speaking to us clearly and powerfully through Your Word. We’ve heard You call us to deeper commitment—to love You above all, to carry our cross, to surrender what we cannot keep for the sake of what we cannot lose.

Strengthen us now as we go. Help us to follow You not from a distance, but closely and courageously. Teach us to count the cost joyfully, knowing that You are worth everything. Where we are hesitant, give us boldness. Where we are weary, give us strength. Where we are proud, give us humility.

And may we live as salt in this world—distinct, preserving, and full of grace.

For Your glory and by Your Spirit,

Amen.

Reflection Questions and Suggested Answers

Luke 14:25–35 | The Cost of Discipleship

1. What initially drew the crowds to follow Jesus—and how does His response challenge your understanding of what it means to “follow” Him today?

Answer:

Many in the crowd were likely drawn by Jesus’ miracles, His reputation, and the hope of political or social deliverance. But Jesus turns and confronts them with the cost of commitment, not the comfort of promises. This challenges us today to examine our motives. Are we following Jesus for His benefits—or because we are willing to belong to Him no matter the cost? True discipleship requires depth, not just enthusiasm.

2. Why do Jesus’ teachings in Luke 14:25–35 sound so intense and demanding, and how does this fit into the broader structure of Luke’s Gospel?

Answer:

Jesus’ intense and demanding words in Luke 14:25–35 are part of a larger section in Luke’s Gospel known as the Travel Narrative, which begins in Luke 9:51: “Jesus resolutely set His face to go to Jerusalem.” From that point forward, Jesus is journeying toward His crucifixion. Along the way, His teachings become increasingly sharp, urgent, and centered on the cost of discipleship.

This shift in tone is intentional. Jesus had already told His disciples that He would suffer, be rejected, and be crucified (Luke 9:22; 18:31–33). Knowing this, He speaks with sober clarity—because following Him will not be easy. He is not looking for casual admirers but committed followers who are willing to reorder their priorities, take up their cross, and surrender everything.

Just as Jesus’ path leads to Jerusalem and the cross, so too must every disciple walk a road marked by sacrifice, obedience, and faithfulness. His strong words are not meant to discourage us, but to prepare us—for a life that is not defined by ease, but by the joy and purpose of following Him fully, even when it costs us everything.

3. What did Jesus mean when He said His disciples must “hate” their family members and even their own lives (Luke 14:26)? Is He advocating for hostility?

Answer:

Not at all. Jesus’ statement is a striking example of Semitic hyperbole—a teaching method common in ancient Jewish culture that uses strong, exaggerated language to make a crucial point. In this context, the word “hate” does not imply emotional rejection or hostility. Rather, it means to love less by comparison.

Jesus is emphasizing the need for ultimate allegiance. He is not telling us to sever family ties or stop loving others—in fact, He commands us elsewhere to honor parents and love our neighbors. Instead, He is calling His followers to reorder their loves, placing Him above every other relationship, personal comfort, or even self-interest.

As William Barclay explains, “He means that no love in life can compare with the love we must bear to Him.” Discipleship requires undivided loyalty. Loving Christ most enables us to love others best, in the right order and with the right heart.

3. What relationships, ambitions, or comforts tend to compete with your allegiance to Christ?

Answer:

Family expectations, career ambitions, financial security, and social approval often rival our loyalty to Christ. Jesus doesn’t ask us to stop loving others—but to love Him more, and to love others through Him. When these attachments become idols, they hinder full surrender. Christ calls us to trust that what we relinquish for Him will never be lost, but redeemed.

4. What does “carrying your cross” look like in your current season of life?

Answer:

It may look like choosing forgiveness when wronged, persevering through illness, serving sacrificially, or standing for truth when it’s unpopular. Carrying the cross means choosing obedience even when it costs us pride, comfort, or opportunity. It is daily self-denial for the sake of Christ—and often goes unnoticed by the world, but never by Him.

5. Why does Jesus call us to love Him above every relationship, ambition, and possession in Luke 14:25–35, and how is this not a contradiction to His command to love others?

Answer:

Jesus calls us to radical discipleship—placing Him above all else—not to diminish our love for others, but to deepen it. His teaching in Luke 14:25–35 emphasizes that following Him means a total reordering of priorities. He must come first—even before family, personal dreams, or material security. This is not about rejecting our responsibilities, but about rightly anchoring our hearts in Him.

Far from contradicting His command to love others (John 13:34), this supreme love for Christ enables us to love more faithfully and selflessly. When Jesus reigns in our hearts, we become better spouses, parents, friends, and neighbors—not because we love them less, but because we love them through Him.

By ending with “He who has ears to hear, let him hear,” Jesus urges us to take this seriously. It’s a personal call to examine our lives and respond with surrendered hearts. The cost may seem high, but the reward is greater: the joy of walking in His will and reflecting His love to a world in need.

6. Why do the Ten Commandments begin with love for God before addressing family and others?

Answer:

The structure of the Ten Commandments is intentional and deeply theological. The first four commandments focus on our relationship with God—acknowledging His lordship, worshiping Him alone, honoring His name, and keeping His day holy. This reveals that true morality and relational health begin with rightly ordered worship.

Only after establishing this vertical relationship does God move to the horizontal—beginning with the Fifth Commandment, “Honor your father and your mother.” This transition shows that love for others—starting with family—flows out of love for God.

When we put God first, we gain the wisdom, humility, and strength to love others well. Honoring parents, nurturing family bonds, and respecting others are not separate from our worship—they are expressions of it. As Jesus summarized, all the Law hangs on two commandments: “Love the Lord your God… and love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37–40).

7. What is the Fifth Commandment, and why is it important for both families and society?

Answer:

The Fifth Commandment is:

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” — Exodus 20:12 

This command is not just about childhood obedience—it is a lifelong call to show respect, gratitude, and care for our parents. It teaches us that strong families are essential to a strong society, and that honoring authority begins at home.

Paul reaffirms this in Ephesians 6:1–3, calling it the first commandment with a promise—that those who live this out may experience well-being and longevity.

This commandment also serves as a bridge between loving God (Commandments 1–4) and loving others (Commandments 6–10). In this way, the family becomes a sacred training ground where we learn to live in community, honor authority, and reflect God’s design for human relationships.

8. What does the Bible mean when it commands husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church?

Answer:

The Bible calls husbands to mirror the self-giving, sacrificial love of Jesus. In Ephesians 5:25, Paul writes that husbands are to love their wives “just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” This love is not merely emotional—it is active, costly, and grounded in humility. Just as Christ laid down His life to redeem and sanctify His people, husbands are called to lead by serving, to protect with gentleness, and to prioritize their wives’ spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. This means being patient, forgiving, respectful, and putting her needs before their own. True biblical love is not about control, but about Christlike care and commitment.

9.  Why does Jesus call for such radical commitment in Luke 14:25–35, and what do His mini parables teach us about true discipleship?

Answer:

Jesus calls for radical commitment—not to deprive us, but to invite us into the fullness of life in His kingdom. In Luke 14:25–35, He urges His followers to love Him above all else—above relationships, ambitions, and possessions—because only then can we experience the joy of His banquet, the impact of our mission, and the privilege of sharing in His suffering and glory.

To make this vivid, Jesus weaves in three mini parables:

1️⃣ The Tower Builder (vv. 28–30):

Discipleship requires careful consideration. Just as no one builds a tower without budgeting, no one should follow Jesus without first counting the cost—it’s a lifelong commitment, not a momentary impulse.

2️⃣ The Warring King (vv. 31–32):

Like a king outmatched in battle, we are wise to surrender to God’s will. Discipleship means laying down self-rule and making peace with God through humility and faith.

3️⃣ The Tasteless Salt (vv. 34–35):

Salt that loses its flavor is useless. So too, believers who lose their distinctiveness through compromise fail their calling. True disciples remain preserving, purifying influences in the world.

In short, Jesus’ call to discipleship is not about loss but gain. We give up what cannot last to receive what can never be taken away—Christ Himself.

10. Have you truly “counted the cost” of discipleship—or are you building without a plan?

Answer:

Many start the Christian life with joy but neglect to consider the endurance required. We may have to face rejection, hardship, spiritual warfare, or the laying down of dreams. Counting the cost means we move forward with our eyes wide open, committed not just to starting, but to finishing. God provides grace—but we must be willing to endure.

11. In what ways do you tend to rely on your own strength rather than seeking peace with God through surrender?

Answer:

We often try to manage life on our own terms—through control, planning, or self-reliance—rather than living in daily dependence on Christ. Like the king in Jesus’ parable, we must recognize when we’re outmatched and need divine help. Surrender is not failure—it’s the path to victory, inviting God’s power to work in our weakness.

12. What do you still hold onto as “yours” that Christ is calling you to place in His hands?

Answer:

It might be a career plan, a relationship, a fear, a financial resource, or even your sense of identity. Jesus asks us to surrender everything—not to impoverish us, but to set us free. Nothing is safe unless it’s placed in His hands. As we release control, we begin to live with eternal perspective and true peace.

13. Is your life “salty”? In what ways is your witness distinct, preserving, or flavoring the world around you?

Answer:

Salt that has lost its flavor is useless. If our lives blend into the world around us, we lose our power to witness. A salty life is one marked by truth, grace, joy, and conviction. Even in quiet faithfulness, we influence others. If our witness has grown dull, we can ask the Holy Spirit to rekindle our zeal and renew our distinctiveness.

14. Why does Jesus end His teaching in Luke 14:35 with the phrase, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear”?

Answer:

This phrase is far more than a casual sign-off—it’s a spiritual summons. When Jesus says, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear,” He is urging listeners not just to hear His words with their ears, but to receive them with their hearts and respond with obedience. In the biblical context, hearing implies understanding and action (James 1:22). It’s a call to wake up spiritually—to let His teaching on the cost of discipleship (Luke 14:25–35) penetrate our comfort zones, challenge our priorities, and reshape our lives.

Jesus echoes the prophetic warning of Isaiah 6:9–10, reminding us that many hear but do not truly listen. This phrase is both a grace-filled invitation and a sobering warning: Don’t just admire Jesus—follow Him, no matter the cost. Those with “ears to hear” are those whose hearts are soft enough to receive truth and bold enough to respond in faith.

15. What does Luke 14:25–35 teach us about the lifestyle and character of a true disciple of Jesus?

Answer:

Luke 14:25–35 reveals that true discipleship is not casual admiration—it is wholehearted surrender. Jesus calls His followers to count the cost, carry the cross, and place Him above all else—family, ambition, possessions. This is not about renouncing love or joy, but about rightly ordering our affections so that Christ reigns first.

John Stott wisely observes that “simplicity, generosity, and contentment are characteristics of Christian disciples.” These qualities grow in us when Jesus takes first place. We no longer live anxiously to accumulate or compete; instead, we live freely—to love deeply, give joyfully, and follow wholeheartedly.

That’s why Jesus ends with: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” It’s a personal call to listen and respond—not merely with emotion, but with a transformed lifestyle. The path of discipleship may be narrow and demanding, but it leads to the wide-open freedom and fullness of life in Christ (John 10:10).