Luke 14:31

Or what king going to make war against another king, sitteth not downe first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand, to meete him that commeth against him with twentie thousand? Luke 14:31 (KJV)

This verse is part of a larger passage where Jesus teaches about the cost of discipleship and the need to count the cost before following Him. In this verse Jesus uses a parable to illustrate His point.

He compares a king who is about to go to war with another king, emphasizing the importance of planning and considering the odds before engaging in battle. The king first sits down and consults whether he has enough resources and strength to meet his opponent.

The opponent has twice as many troops—ten thousand versus twenty thousand. Confronted with this reality, the king must carefully evaluate his resources, strategies, and chances of success before deciding to fight. Without such deliberate assessment, one risks embarking on a path that leads to failure and loss.

The underlying message is that discipleship and following Jesus require careful consideration and commitment. Jesus urges His followers to count the cost of discipleship and understand the potential challenges and sacrifices involved. Just as a king would weigh the odds before entering battle, a disciple should be aware of the challenges and be fully committed to following Him, even in the face of adversity.

Through this analogy Jesus emphasizes the importance of being prepared and devoted in one’s faith journey. Discipleship calls for surrendering personal desires, taking up the cross, and following Jesus wholeheartedly, regardless of difficulties that may arise.

In summary, Luke 14:31 teaches the importance of counting the cost before deciding to follow Jesus. It calls believers to evaluate their commitment and readiness to face the challenges and sacrifices of discipleship, reminding them that true discipleship demands careful consideration, steadfast commitment, and unwavering dedication to Christ.