What is the meaning of Luke 14:28? Which of you “Which of you…” (Luke 14:28) • Jesus speaks directly to every listener, pressing for personal application—no one is exempt (cf. Matthew 16:24; 2 Corinthians 13:5). • The question format makes us pause and examine our own readiness to follow Him, just as Joshua called Israel to “choose this day” (Joshua 24:15). • It underlines individual responsibility before God; salvation is personal, though it leads us into a shared community (Acts 2:41-42). Wishing to build a tower “…wishing to build a tower…” • A tower is substantial, visible, and permanent, not something casual or temporary. Discipleship, likewise, is a lifelong, public commitment (Matthew 5:14-16). • “Wishing” shows good intentions are only the starting point; desire alone won’t finish the work (James 1:22-24). • The imagery recalls watchtowers in vineyards (Isaiah 5:2) and city walls (Nehemiah 3), structures meant for protection and fruitfulness—parallels to a believer’s witness and growth. Does not first sit down “…does not first sit down…” • To “sit down” signals deliberate pause and sober reflection (Psalm 46:10). Rushed decisions in spiritual matters often end in retreat (John 6:66). • Jesus consistently slowed people down to ensure genuine faith—see the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-22. • Taking a seat before action expresses humility, acknowledging that following Christ is more than emotion; it requires thoughtful surrender (Romans 12:1-2). And count the cost “…and count the cost…” • Counting demands calculation, measuring what obedience will require (Philippians 3:7-8). • Cost is not optional; Jesus later says “whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:33). • Scripture warns against shallow roots that wither under pressure (Luke 8:13); cost-counting prepares roots to endure hardship (2 Timothy 3:12). To see if he has the resources to complete it? “…to see if he has the resources to complete it?” • Resources (literally “things he has”) cover time, energy, treasure—every area must come under Christ’s lordship (Colossians 3:17). • Completion matters; unfinished towers mock the builder (Luke 14:29-30), just as an abandoned testimony discredits the gospel before observers (1 Timothy 1:19-20). • Yet believers are not left to human strength alone; we rely on God’s provision to finish the race (Philippians 1:6; 2 Peter 1:3-11). Assessing resources highlights dependence on grace while exposing empty self-confidence. summary Luke 14:28 calls every would-be follower of Jesus to pause, look honestly at the lifelong, public, sacrificial nature of discipleship, and determine—by faith and God’s enabling—whether they will carry it through to completion. Good intentions are not enough; thoughtful commitment, humble reliance on divine resources, and perseverance to the end mark true disciples. |
    |