The Demands of Discipleship
Willing to give up everything
Jesus was at a feast given on the Sabbath by one of the rulers of the Pharisees. There were many guests assembled. Jesus called their attention to speak to them.
“If anyone comes to me but loves his parents, spouse, children, siblings, or even their own life more than me, they cannot be my disciple.
“Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
“If any of you were trying to build a tower, would you not first sit down and figure out if you had enough money to finish the tower? Otherwise, you might lay the foundation and not be able to finish the tower, leaving it half-built. You would be mocked, with people saying, ‘This person began to build but could not finish.’
“Or what king, who is going to war against another kingdom, does not first consult with his counsel to see if his ten thousand soldiers can beat the opposing army of twenty thousand? He would be better off to send an envoy of peace.
“Whichever of you that is not willing to give up everything cannot be my disciple.”