Luke 14:30
Saying, This man beganne to build, and was not able to finish. Luke 14:30 (KJV)
This verse is part of a larger passage in the Gospel of Luke where Jesus uses a parable to teach about the importance of counting the cost of discipleship. In this parable, Jesus compares the decision to follow Him to a man who intends to build a tower.
Context: In Luke 14:25-33, Jesus is speaking to a large crowd of people who were following Him. He emphasizes the cost of discipleship and the commitment required to be His disciple, using the example of building a tower to illustrate the need for careful planning and consideration.
Building and Finishing: The verse says, “And lest, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all that behold it shall mock him.” This statement highlights the man’s failure to complete what he started. It serves as a warning about the importance of counting the cost and making sure one has the necessary resources and commitment to see a task through to completion.
Spiritual Application: The teaching of the man building a tower can be applied to the decision to follow Jesus and become His disciple. It emphasizes the need for wholehearted commitment and dedication to the Christian journey. It reminds us that becoming a disciple of Christ is not a decision to be taken lightly but requires a lifelong commitment.
Counting the Cost: Just as the man in the teaching should have counted the cost of building the tower, we are encouraged to count the cost of following Jesus. It means being aware of the sacrifices, challenges, and demands that come with being a disciple. It involves a willingness to let go of worldly attachments, prioritize God’s will above our own, and persevere through trials and hardships.
Faithfulness and Perseverance: The man’s inability to finish building the tower serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful and persevering in our commitment to Christ. It is not enough to start the journey; we must continue steadfastly and follow through with our commitment.
Prioritizing God’s Kingdom: The teaching encourages us to prioritize God’s kingdom above all else. Jesus emphasizes this in Luke 14:33, immediately following the passage, where He says, “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” We are called to put God first in our lives and be willing to let go of anything that hinders our wholehearted devotion to Him.
In summary, Luke 14:30 teaches us the importance of counting the cost of discipleship, making a full commitment to follow Jesus, and remaining faithful and persevering in our journey. It reminds us to prioritize God’s kingdom above all else and to carefully consider the responsibilities and sacrifices that come with being a disciple of Christ.
