Life of Christ Lesson 106: Counting the Cost {Tower Builder and King Going to War Parables }

Luke 14:25-35

There are only 11 verses in this lesson, but they are critical for those who take the Christian life seriously.  The "cost" to be considered ("counted") is the cost of discipleship.  The Lord made a distinct difference between salvation and discipleship.  Salvation is open and free to all who accept His invitation by faith.  Discipleship, on the other hand, is not free.  It is only for those believers who are willing to "pay a price" as they follow, learn from, and serve the Saviour.  This is the primary point of Christ's "mini-sermon" of Luke 14:25-35.  His desire is for all Christians to be His disciples, but He knows not all His sheep are willing to sacrifice and suffer for His sake.  

In this lesson, we look at "The Call to Discipleship," "The Cross of Discipleship," "the Cost of Discipleship," and "The Characteristics of Discipleship".  Two parables were also given by the Lord in this sermon: "The Parable of the Tower Builder" (14:28-30) and "The Parable of the King Going to War" (14:31-33).