Luke 14:28 – “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus uses the example of building a tower to teach a key lesson about discipleship. Just as someone wouldn’t start a construction project without first calculating whether they can afford it, Jesus is telling His followers to consider the cost of being His disciple. Following Him isn’t a casual decision—it requires careful thought and a willingness to make sacrifices.
The “tower” represents a significant commitment. Building it takes planning, resources, and dedication. Similarly, being a disciple means dedicating your life to Christ and being prepared for the challenges that come with it. Jesus is urging people not to make impulsive decisions about following Him but to understand the seriousness of the commitment.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, towers were often built for various purposes—watchtowers to guard fields or cities, storage towers for grain, or lookout posts. Building a tower was a significant project, requiring time, materials, and labor. If someone began construction but couldn’t finish it, they would face public embarrassment and ridicule. In a society where honor and reputation were important, failing to finish a project was seen as a major failure.
Jesus’ audience would have understood the importance of counting the cost before starting such a project. In the same way, they needed to understand that following Jesus wasn’t just about excitement or enthusiasm—it involved sacrifice and endurance.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the reality that discipleship comes with a cost. While salvation is a free gift from God, following Jesus involves surrendering your life to Him. True discipleship requires commitment, sacrifice, and perseverance. It’s not a one-time decision—it’s a lifelong journey of obeying God’s will.
Jesus is not trying to discourage people from following Him; instead, He’s inviting them to make an informed and intentional decision. Discipleship isn’t for those seeking comfort or convenience—it’s for those who are willing to put Christ first, even when it’s difficult. Theologically, this verse teaches that God values genuine, wholehearted commitment over half-hearted followers.
Literary Analysis
This verse is part of a larger section on the cost of discipleship (Luke 14:25-33). The use of a practical example—building a tower—makes Jesus’ teaching relatable and easy to understand. The phrase “sit down and estimate the cost” implies careful planning and deliberate action, which contrasts with impulsive or emotional decisions.
The metaphor of building also reflects the idea that discipleship is a process. Just as a tower isn’t built overnight, following Jesus involves steady growth, effort, and perseverance. The image of someone who starts building but can’t finish serves as a warning against shallow or superficial commitment.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Luke 9:57-62 – Jesus warns about the cost of following Him, saying that discipleship requires full commitment.
- Matthew 16:24 – “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
- Philippians 3:8 – Paul describes how he considers everything a loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 – Paul uses the metaphor of a race to teach that following Christ requires discipline and endurance.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse is a reminder to take discipleship seriously. It’s easy to get caught up in emotional moments or make commitments without fully understanding what they involve. But Jesus wants us to be aware of the challenges and sacrifices that come with following Him.
This doesn’t mean we need to be perfect or have everything figured out before following Jesus. Instead, it means we should be willing to surrender our lives to Him and trust Him through the ups and downs of the journey. Counting the cost involves recognizing that we may face rejection, suffering, or sacrifices along the way—but that Jesus is worth it.
It also challenges us to avoid half-hearted faith. Are we truly committed to living for Christ, or are we following Him only when it’s convenient? This verse invites us to examine our hearts and commit to following Jesus with everything we have.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is reflected in His honesty. Jesus doesn’t hide the fact that following Him will be challenging, but He tells us the truth because He loves us. God doesn’t want superficial followers who give up when things get hard—He wants disciples who are fully committed to Him. His love is seen in the fact that He prepares us for the journey and gives us the strength we need to endure.
God’s love also means that He doesn’t expect us to carry the burden of discipleship alone. His Spirit empowers us to follow Him, and His grace sustains us when we face difficulties. God’s love assures us that the cost of discipleship is worth it because He promises eternal life and joy in His presence.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate example of counting the cost and following through with God’s plan. He knew the suffering and sacrifice that lay ahead, but He willingly carried His cross and gave His life for the sake of humanity (Philippians 2:8). His obedience to the Father’s will shows us what it means to fully commit to God, even when it’s painful.
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus not only paid the price for our sins but also made it possible for us to follow Him. He doesn’t ask us to do anything He hasn’t done Himself, and He walks with us every step of the way. When we face challenges, we can look to Jesus as both our example and our source of strength.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever made a commitment to follow Jesus without fully understanding what it would involve? How did that experience shape your faith?
- What sacrifices have you made or might you need to make in order to follow Christ wholeheartedly?
- Are there any areas in your life where you’re hesitant to surrender control to God?
- How can you rely on God’s strength and grace when the cost of discipleship feels overwhelming?
- How does Jesus’ example of obedience and sacrifice inspire you to remain committed to following Him?
This verse reminds us that following Jesus is a serious and life-changing commitment. But when we count the cost and choose to follow Him, we discover that the reward—eternal life, peace, and a relationship with God—is far greater than anything we could ever give up. Let’s trust Him, surrender to Him, and build our lives on the solid foundation of Christ.