Continue with Discipleship-How Serious?

Discipleship may involve hardship and persecution, for Jesus says:  "Whoever does not carry his torture stake and come after me cannot be disciple."  (Luke 14:27)  Yes, a true disciple of Jesus must willing to undergo a burden of reproach such as Jesus faced.  Jesus has even said that he will die at the hands of his enemies.

So the crowds traveling with Jesus need to analyze very carefully what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Jesus emphasizes this  with an illustration.  "For example, he says,  "Who of you wanting to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense to see if he has enough to complete it. Otherwise, he might lay its foundation but not be able to finish it." (Luke 14:28. 29)  Thus, before becoming Jesus' disciples, those traveling with him toward Jerusalem should have firmly decided to carry out the responsibility fully. He underscores that thought with another illustration. 

"What king marching out against another king in war does not sit down and take counsel whether he is able with 10,000 troops to stand up to the one who comes against him with 20,000? If, in fact, he cannot do so, then while that one is yet far away, he sends out a body of ambassadors and sues for peace."  To emphasize his point, Jesus says:  "In the same way, you may be sure that not one of you who does not say good-bye to all his belongings can be my disciple." - LUKE 14:31-33.

Next time: Conclusion of Discipleship-How Serious?

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