Notes on Luke 14.25-35 8 September 13
This is a parable spoken to the crowds. Many people were travelling with Jesus. Jesus is interested in whether they will be his disciples. Being a disciple is not the same as travelling with Jesus.
Three times Jesus uses the phrase, “...cannot be my disciple”: verse 26, 27, 33.
A person must work out in advance whether they are willing to do what is required to be a disciple, v28-32. Two examples are given: a builder and a king.
If a person decides to be a disciple and then finds they do not want to continue, it is like salt that has lost its saltiness – it is no good and has to be thrown out v34-35.
What is involved in a person being a disciple of Jesus?
1. Hating near relatives, and one’s own life v26.
2. Taking up one’s cross v27
3. Giving up everything one has v33
Taking up one’s cross means dying. It is a similar idea to giving up everything one has. One has nothing left. This helps us understand the first idea. Jesus doesn’t mean we should have feelings of hatred to our relatives, any more than that we should have feelings of hatred towards our own life. He means we must not hang on to them, try to keep hold of them, possess them and depend on them. He wants us to be completely free to learn from him. Only then will we be able to love our relatives, and only then will we be able to live our own life in the best way.
Being a disciple of Jesus means he must have complete and total control of our lives. He is not looking for fans or spectators, he is looking for 24/7 apprentices.
Dale
These notes are provided for the benefit of the preachers in our Dinka speaking congregation.