The Cost of Discipleship

Welcome to week five of our study on The Warnings of Jesus. Tonight, we turn our attention to one of Jesus’ most direct and sobering calls—His demand for absolute commitment.

Pray for spiritual focus, conviction, and courage to surrender fully to Christ.

Why This Study Matters

Jesus never presented a watered-down Gospel. He told the crowds plainly that following Him would cost them everything.

This session explores what it truly means to be His disciple, not just a believer in name but a follower in deed.

Overview

What does it mean to “hate” family and even your own life?

Why must a disciple count the cost?

How is the cross central to our walk with Christ?

What separates true followers from casual hearers?

Part I: Jesus Draws a Line in the Sand (Luke 14:25–26)

25 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

1. The Multitude Mentality vs. Discipleship Reality

Many were following Jesus physically but had not counted the cost spiritually.

Jesus doesn’t lower the standard to gain followers—He raises it.

2. What Does “Hate” Mean in This Context?

The Greek word used here (miseō, Strong’s G3404) means to love less by comparison, not emotional hatred.

Jesus demands absolute priority—no relationship or personal desire can come before Him.

Parallel Scriptures:

Matthew 10:37 (KJV): “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me…”

Exodus 20:3 (KJV): “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”

Application:

Christ must be preeminent in every area—our relationships, ambitions, identity, and daily decisions.

Part II: Bearing the Cross (Luke 14:27)

Luke 14:27 (KJV):

“And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”

1. What Does It Mean to Bear a Cross?

In Jesus’ day, the cross symbolized shame, suffering, rejection, and death.

Bearing your cross means a willingness to suffer loss, persecution, and denial of self for the sake of following Jesus.

Parallel Scriptures:

Matthew 16:24 (KJV): “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

Galatians 2:20 (KJV): “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live…”

2. The Cross Is Not an Optional Accessory

Jesus didn’t say, “Try your best.” He said, you cannot be my disciple without your cross.

Application:

Have you taken up your cross? Are you willing to follow Jesus when it costs you your reputation, security, or comfort?

Part III: Counting the Cost (Luke 14:28–32)

Luke 14:28 (KJV):

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost…”

1. A Deliberate Decision, Not an Emotional One

Discipleship is not a spur-of-the-moment feeling, but a calculated commitment.

Jesus gives two examples:

A man building a tower.

A king preparing for war.

2. The Warning: Don’t Begin What You’re Not Willing to Finish

Luke 14:30 (KJV): “This man began to build, and was not able to finish.”

The implication: many will start following Jesus but fall away because they never truly surrendered.

Parallel Scriptures:

Matthew 13:20–21 – The seed on rocky soil receives the Word with joy, but falls away in persecution.

Hebrews 10:38–39 – God has no pleasure in those who draw back.

Application:

Have you taken time to count the cost? Is your faith prepared to endure trials and testing?

Part IV: Forsaking All (Luke 14:33)

Luke 14:33 (KJV):

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”

1. Discipleship Requires Total Surrender

To “forsake all” doesn’t necessarily mean giving up every possession, but being willing to if God asked.

It’s a heart posture—nothing we have belongs to us anymore.

Parallel Scriptures:

Philippians 3:7–8 – Paul counted all things loss for the excellency of Christ.

Acts 2:44–45 – The early believers held nothing back from each other or the Lord.

Application:

Do you own your life, or have you laid it all down at Christ’s feet?

Conclusion

Summary of Key Truths

Following Jesus is not cheap or casual.

True disciples place Christ above all, carry their cross, count the cost, and surrender all.

Jesus didn’t preach an easy Gospel—He preached a true and saving one.

Final Questions for Self-Examination

Is Jesus truly first in my life?

Am I carrying my cross daily?

Have I surrendered all to Him, or am I holding something back?

Closing Prayer

Pray for courage, commitment, and true discipleship.

Ask the Holy Spirit to expose areas of half-heartedness and empower us to fully follow Christ.

Next Session: Watch and Be Ready for the Master’s Return

What does Jesus teach about spiritual preparedness?

What happens to those who grow lazy in the last days?

How do we live in a state of watchfulness and faithfulness until He returns?

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