Discipleship requires total surrender and sacrifice

Phil 2:12-18; Psalm: 26; Lk 14:25-33

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to a large crowd about the cost of following Him. He explains that discipleship requires total commitment and sacrifice and that one must be willing to give up everything to follow Him truly. This passage challenges believers to consider the true extent of their dedication to Christ and highlights the importance of counting the cost before deciding to follow Him.

The passage begins with Jesus telling the crowd, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.” This statement may seem shocking and contradictory to the commandment to honor one’s parents, but Jesus emphasizes that following Him must take precedence over all other relationships and commitments. He is calling for complete loyalty and devotion to Him above all else.

Jesus then goes on to give two parables about counting the cost before embarking on a journey or starting a construction project. He uses these examples to illustrate the importance of careful consideration and planning before committing to discipleship. Just as a builder must make sure he has enough resources to complete a project, a disciple must be prepared to give up everything for the sake of following Jesus.

The passage concludes with Jesus stating, “In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.” This final admonition leaves no room for ambiguity – discipleship requires total surrender and sacrifice. It is a radical call to abandon all worldly attachments and put God above all else. This may seem like a difficult and daunting task, but Jesus promises that those who are willing to give up everything for His sake will be richly rewarded in the end.

Reflection on today’s Gospel challenges us to examine our own commitment to Christ and consider whether we are truly willing to give up everything to follow Him. It forces us to confront our own priorities and attachments and to question whether we are truly willing to put God above all else in our lives. It is a call to radical discipleship that demands a total surrender of self and a willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of the Gospel. As we reflect on this passage, may we be inspired to recommit ourselves to following Jesus wholeheartedly, counting the cost, and being prepared to give up everything for His sake.