Luke 14:28
Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it?
Which of you
This phrase invites personal reflection and introspection. In the Greek, "τίς ἐξ ὑμῶν" (tis ex hymōn) directly addresses the audience, making the parable personal and relatable. It challenges each listener to consider their own actions and decisions, emphasizing the universal applicability of Jesus' teachings. Historically, this approach was common in rabbinic teaching, where questions were used to provoke thought and self-examination.

wishing to build
The Greek word "θέλων" (thelōn) implies a deliberate desire or intention. This is not a casual thought but a purposeful decision to undertake a significant project. In the context of discipleship, it suggests that following Christ requires intentionality and commitment, much like the careful planning needed for construction. The act of building symbolizes the spiritual growth and development that comes with being a disciple.

a tower
In ancient times, a tower was a significant structure, often used for defense or as a watchtower. The Greek "πύργον" (pyrgon) indicates a project of considerable size and importance. Spiritually, the tower can represent the lofty goals of the Christian life, such as holiness, righteousness, and the pursuit of God's kingdom. The imagery of a tower also suggests visibility and influence, reminding believers that their faith should be evident to others.

does not first sit down
The phrase "καθίσας πρῶτον" (kathisas prōton) emphasizes the importance of careful planning and consideration. Sitting down implies a pause for reflection and assessment, a necessary step before embarking on any significant endeavor. In the spiritual journey, this suggests the need for prayerful contemplation and seeking God's guidance before making commitments.

and count the cost
The Greek "ψηφίζει τὴν δαπάνην" (psēphizei tēn dapanēn) involves calculating or reckoning the expense. This phrase underscores the necessity of understanding the sacrifices and challenges involved in following Christ. It is a call to realistic appraisal and readiness to endure hardships for the sake of the Gospel. Historically, this would resonate with an audience familiar with the financial and labor investments required in construction.

to see if he has the resources
The phrase "εἰ ἔχει τὰ πρὸς" (ei echei ta pros) speaks to the sufficiency of one's means or ability. In a spiritual sense, it challenges believers to assess their faith, commitment, and reliance on God's provision. The resources here are not just material but also spiritual, including faith, perseverance, and the support of the Christian community.

to complete it
The Greek "ἀπαρτίσαι" (apartisai) means to finish or bring to completion. This highlights the goal of perseverance and faithfulness in the Christian life. The call to complete the task reflects the biblical theme of enduring to the end and the importance of finishing the race set before us. It serves as a reminder that the Christian journey is not just about starting well but also about finishing well, with God's help and grace.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this parable, teaching His disciples and the crowds about the cost of discipleship.

2. The Builder
A hypothetical person in the parable who desires to build a tower, representing anyone considering a significant undertaking.

3. The Tower
A metaphor for any significant project or commitment, symbolizing the life of discipleship.

4. The Cost
Represents the necessary resources and sacrifices required to complete a task, particularly the cost of following Jesus.

5. The Crowd
The audience listening to Jesus, including His disciples and others interested in His teachings.
Teaching Points
Counting the Cost of Discipleship
Before committing to follow Christ, one must understand and be willing to accept the sacrifices involved.

Wise Planning
Just as a builder plans before constructing a tower, Christians should thoughtfully consider their spiritual journey and commitments.

Resource Assessment
Evaluate whether you have the spiritual resources, such as faith, perseverance, and community support, to sustain your walk with Christ.

Commitment to Completion
True discipleship requires a commitment to see it through to the end, despite challenges and obstacles.

Spiritual Investment
Investing in your spiritual life is crucial, much like ensuring you have the necessary resources to complete a building project.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the metaphor of building a tower teach us about the nature of discipleship?

2. How can we apply the principle of "counting the cost" in our daily walk with Christ?

3. In what ways can we ensure we have the necessary resources to sustain our spiritual journey?

4. How do the teachings in Proverbs 24:27 and Luke 14:28 complement each other regarding planning and preparation?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to count the cost before making a significant decision. How did your faith influence that process?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 24:27
This verse emphasizes the importance of planning and preparation before undertaking a significant task, similar to counting the cost before building.

Philippians 3:7-8
Paul speaks about considering everything a loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, highlighting the cost and value of discipleship.

Matthew 16:24-26
Jesus speaks about taking up one's cross and following Him, emphasizing the cost of true discipleship.

1 Corinthians 3:10-15
Paul discusses building on the foundation of Christ, which requires careful consideration and effort, akin to counting the cost.
The Rash BuilderAlexander MaclarenLuke 14:28
The Time and the Room for Calculation in ReligionW. Clarkson Luke 14:25-33
The Cost of DiscipleshipR.M. Edgar Luke 14:25-35
Counting the CostC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 14:28-30
Holiness: the CostBishop Ryle.Luke 14:28-30
Ill-Considered BeginningsW. Gray.Luke 14:28-30
Importance of ConsiderationBaxendale's AnecdotesLuke 14:28-30
On Counting the CostR. Hall, M. A.Luke 14:28-30
On the Folly of Profession Without ForethoughtB. Beddome, M. A.Luke 14:28-30
Purposes Should be WeighedW. Arnot.Luke 14:28-30
ReligionJ. Cumming, D. D.Luke 14:28-30
The Christian BuilderB. Keach.Luke 14:28-30
The Religious Life Exceeds Human ResourceArchbishop Trench.Luke 14:28-30
True Heroism: Counting the CostH. Stowell, M. A.Luke 14:28-30
Unfinished WorksArchbishop Trench.Luke 14:28-30
People
Jesus, Disciples
Places
Road to Jerusalem
Topics
Asking, Build, Building, Calculate, Complete, Completing, Cost, Count, Counteth, Desiring, Desirous, Doesn't, Estimate, Expense, Finish, Intending, Money, Needed, Price, Sat, Sit, Sitteth, Sufficient, Tower, Wants, Wherewith, Whether, Willing
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 14:25-33

     8120   following Christ

Luke 14:26-33

     8116   discipleship, cost
     8209   commitment, to Christ

Luke 14:28-32

     5922   prudence

Luke 14:28-33

     5925   rashness

Library
October 26. "Go Out into the Highways and Compel them to Come In" (Luke xiv. 23).
"Go out into the highways and compel them to come in" (Luke xiv. 23). In the great parable in the fourteenth chapter of Luke, giving an account of the great supper an ancient lord prepared for his friends and neighbors, and to which, when they asked to be excused, he invited the halt and the lame from the city slums and the lepers from outside the gate, there is a significant picture and object lesson of the program of Christianity in this age. In the first place, it is obvious to every thoughtful
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Excuses not Reasons
'They all with one consent began to make excuse. --LUKE xiv. 18. Jesus Christ was at a feast in a Pharisee's house. It was a strange place for Him--and His words at the table were also strange. For He first rebuked the guests, and then the host; telling the former to take the lower rooms, and bidding the latter widen his hospitality to those that could not recompense him. It was a sharp saying; and one of the other guests turned the edge of it by laying hold of our Lord's final words: 'Thou shalt
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Rash Builder
Which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?'--LUKE xiv. 28. Christ sought for no recruits under false pretences, but rather discouraged than stimulated light-hearted adhesion. His constant effort was to sift the crowds that gathered round Him. So here great multitudes are following Him, and how does He welcome them? Does He lay Himself out to attract them? Luke tells us that He turned and faced the following
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Lessons of a Feast
'And it came to pass, as He went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath day, that they watched Him. 2. And, behold, there was a certain man before Him which had the dropsy. 3. And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day? 4. And they held their peace. And He took him, and healed him, and let him go; 5. And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Why the Divine Invitation is Refused.
(Twentieth Sunday after Trinity, 1831.) TEXT: LUKE xiv. 18-20. "And they all with one consent began to make excuse; . . . I pray thee have me excused." WE need no more than these few words to recall to us the whole parable from which they are taken. From the different accounts of this parable in the gospels we must conclude that the Saviour often repeated it. Its substance is that an invitation was issued to a great supper, and the guests at first promised to appear; but when the appointed hour was
Friedrich Schleiermacher—Selected Sermons of Schleiermacher

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xiv. 16, "A Certain Man Made a Great Supper," Etc.
Delivered in the basilica Restituta. [3472] 1. Holy lessons have been set forth before us, to which we should both give ear, and upon which by the Lord's help I would deliver some observations. In the Apostolic lesson thanks are rendered unto the Lord for the faith of the Gentiles, of course, because it was His work. In the Psalm we have said, "O God of hosts, turn us, and show us Thy Face, and we shall be saved." [3473] In the Gospel we have been called to a supper; yea, rather others have been
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

The Sin of Omission.
Matthew xix. 20.--"The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?" The narrative from which the text is taken is familiar to all readers of the Bible. A wealthy young man, of unblemished morals and amiable disposition, came to our Lord, to inquire His opinion respecting his own good estate. He asked what good thing he should do, in order to inherit eternal life. The fact that he applied to Christ at all, shows that he was not entirely at rest in his
William G.T. Shedd—Sermons to the Natural Man

Compel them to Come In
Hear then, O ye that are strangers to the truth as it is in Jesus--hear then the message that I have to bring you. Ye have fallen, fallen in your father Adam; ye have fallen also in yourselves, by your daily sin and your constant iniquity; you have provoked the anger of the Most High; and as assuredly as you have sinned, so certainly must God punish you if you persevere in your iniquity, for the Lord is a God of justice, and will by no means spare the guilty. But have you not heard, hath it not long
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

The Holy Communion.
2nd Sunday after Trinity. S. Luke xiv. 16. "A certain man made a great supper." INTRODUCTION.--When the fulness of time was come, God the Eternal Father said: "In burnt-offerings and sacrifices for sin, I have no pleasure." Then said the Son, "Lo, I come." He came that He might take away the valueless sacrifice, and establish the one full and perfect propitiation for the sins of the world. And indeed it was time. All creation was groaning and travailing in pain, and waiting for redemption, then
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

Of the Oblation of Christ Upon the Cross, and of Resignation of Self
The Voice of the Beloved As I of my own will offered myself unto God the Father on the Cross for thy sins with outstretched hands and naked body, so that nothing remained in Me that did not become altogether a sacrifice for the Divine propitiation; so also oughtest thou every day to offer thyself willingly unto Me for a pure and holy oblation with all thy strength and affections, even to the utmost powers of thine heart. What more do I require of thee than thou study to resign thyself altogether
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Dining with a Pharisee. Sabbath Healing and Three Lessons Suggested by the Event.
(Probably Peræa.) ^C Luke XIV. 1-24. ^c 1 And it came to pass, when he went into the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees on a sabbath to eat bread, that they were watching him. [The Pharisees were an unorganized party, hence their rulers were such not by office, but by influence. Those who were members of the Sanhedrin, or who were distinguished among the rabbis, might fitly be spoken of as rulers among them. The context favors the idea that Jesus was invited for the purpose of being
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Cost of Discipleship must be Counted.
(Probably Peræa.) ^C Luke XIV. 25-35. ^c 25 Now there went with him great multitudes [he had hitherto spent but little time in Peræa, and the people were availing themselves of this opportunity to see and hear him]: and he turned, and said unto them, 26 If any man cometh unto me, and hateth not his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. ["Hateth," as used here, is an example of phenomenal speech,
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Increasing Progression of Enthusiasm and of Exaltation.
It is clear that such a religious society, founded solely on the expectation of the kingdom of God, must be in itself very incomplete. The first Christian generation lived almost entirely upon expectations and dreams. On the eve of seeing the world come to an end, they regarded as useless everything which only served to prolong it. Possession of property was interdicted.[1] Everything which attaches man to earth, everything which draws him aside from heaven, was to be avoided. Although several of
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The Excuses.
"Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

The Presbyter
Salt is good; but if the salt have lost its savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?--Luke xiv. 34. The next morning, however, threw a lurid light on the visit of Rufinus to Antioch. He had glutted to the full his private enmity. Lucian, Count of the East, Governor of Antioch, had been arrested by his order in his own palace, and, after the merest mockery of a trial, beaten to death, on the neck, with the frightful whips laden with knobs of lead known to the ancients by the name of plumbatæ.
Frederic William Farrar—Gathering Clouds: A Tale of the Days of St. Chrysostom

The Writings of St. Augustin.
The numerous writings of Augustin, the composition of which extended through four and forty years, are a mine of Christian knowledge, and experience. They abound in lofty ideas, noble sentiments, devout effusions, clear statements of truth, strong arguments against error, and passages of fervid eloquence and undying beauty, but also in innumerable repetitions, fanciful opinions, and playful conjectures of his uncommonly fertile brain. [24] His style is full of life and vigour and ingenious plays
St. Augustine—The Confessions and Letters of St

Epistle xxxiii. To Mauricius Augustus.
To Mauricius Augustus. Gregory to Mauricius Augustus. The provident piety of my lords, lest perchance any scandal might be engendered in the unity of Holy Church by the dissension of priests, has once and again deigned to admonish me to receive kindly the representatives of my brother and fellow-priest Cyriacus, and to give them liberty to return soon. And although, most pious lord, all your injunctions are suitable and provident, yet I find that by such an admonition I am reproved as being in your
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Gospel Feast. Luke 14:16Ff.
The gospel feast. Luke 14:16ff. [How rich are thy provisions, Lord! Thy table furnished from above! The fruits of life o'erspread the board, The cup o'erflows with heav'nly love. Thine ancient family, the Jews, Were first invited to the feast: We humbly take what they refuse, And Gentiles thy salvation taste. We are the poor, the blind, the lame, And help was far, and death was nigh; But at the gospel-call we caine, And every want received supply. From the highway that leads to hell, From paths
Isaac Watts—The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts

Divine Love Making a Feast and Calling in the Guests. Luke 14:17,22,23
Divine love making a feast and calling in the guests. Luke 14:17,22,23 How sweet and aweful is the place With Christ within the doors, While everlasting love displays The choicest of her stores! Here every bowel of our God With soft compassion rolls; Here peace and pardon bought with blood Is food for dying souls. [While all our hearts and all our songs Join to admire the feast, Each of us cry with thankful tongues, "Lord, why was I a guest? "Why was I made to hear thy voice, And enter while
Isaac Watts—The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts

Predestination and Calling
Eternal Father, who shall look Into thy secret will? None but the Lamb shall take the book, And open every seal. None but he shall ever unroll that sacred record and read it to the assembled world. How then am I to know whether I am predestinated by God unto eternal life or not? It is a question in which my eternal interests are involved; am I among that unhappy number who shall be left to live in sin and reap the due reward of their iniquity; or do I belong to that goodly company, who albeit that
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

How to Work for God with Success.
Son, go work to-day in my vineyard.--MATT. xxi. 28. Compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.--LUKE xiv. 23. I am to speak of some needful qualifications for successful labor; and I say:-- First, that there are certain laws which govern success in the kingdom of grace as well as in the kingdom of nature, and you must study these laws, and adapt yourself to them. It would be in vain for the husbandman to scatter his seed over the unbroken ground or on pre-occupied soil. You must plough
Catherine Booth—Godliness

Of Gratitude for the Grace of God
Why seekest thou rest when thou art born to labour? Prepare thyself for patience more than for comforts, and for bearing the cross more than for joy. For who among the men of this world would not gladly receive consolation and spiritual joy if he might always have it? For spiritual comforts exceed all the delights of the world, and all the pleasures of the flesh. For all worldly delights are either empty or unclean, whilst spiritual delights alone are pleasant and honourable, the offspring of
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Farewell Discourse to Disciples.
(Jerusalem. Evening Before the Crucifixion.) ^D John XIV.-XVI. ^d 1 Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me. [That one should betray him and one should deny him, that all should be offended, and that the Lord should depart, raised anxieties which Jesus here seeks to quiet. That they should go out as homeless wanderers without the presence of their Lord and be subjected to persecution, was also in their thoughts. But Jesus sustains their spirits by appealing to them to
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the Third Great Group of Parables.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) Subdivision D. Parable of the Marriage of the King's Son. ^A Matt. XXII. 1-14. ^a 1 And Jesus answered and spake again in parables unto them, saying, 2 The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a certain king, who made a marriage feast for his son, 3 and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the marriage feast: and they would not come. 4 Again he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them that are bidden, Behold, I have made
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Links
Luke 14:28 NIV
Luke 14:28 NLT
Luke 14:28 ESV
Luke 14:28 NASB
Luke 14:28 KJV

Luke 14:28 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Luke 14:27
Top of Page
Top of Page