“The Cost of Discipleship” Luke 14:25–35 Christian Ed Sunday – Sept. ‘25

 

“The Cost of Discipleship” Luke 14:25–35 Christian Ed Sunday – Sept. ‘25

1. Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Heavenly Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. The message from God’s Word for this Christian Education Sunday is taken from Luke 14:25–35. The sermon is entitled, “The Cost of Discipleship.” Dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

2. What Does It Mean to Be a Disciple? The Bible uses the word disciple in a wide sense. Even beyond the Twelve—Peter, Andrew, James, John, and the rest—there were always others who followed Jesus, called His disciples. After His resurrection, Jesus sent out the apostles with the command, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them” (Matthew 28:19–20).

3. In the book of Acts, Luke uses the term “disciples” as the equivalent of “Christians” (Acts 6:1–2; 9:1–2). That means when someone believes in Jesus, he or she becomes His disciple. Here at Grace Lutheran Church, School, and ECC, this is our mission: to make disciples through the Word and Sacraments. But before we can truly make disciples, we must understand the cost of discipleship.

4. Discipleship Is Not Easy. Being a Christian isn’t just a Sunday label or a line on a résumé. It isn’t something you pull out when convenient, then tuck away under a bushel when life gets hard (Matthew 5:15). It’s a way of life—sometimes painful, often costly, but always blessed. In Luke 14:25–35, Jesus makes this crystal clear: “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:27).

5. The psalmist captures this reality in today’s Introit:
“Make me understand the way of Your precepts, and I will meditate on Your wondrous works. My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to Your Word!” (Psalm 119:27–28). Notice the language of a way—a journey. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus is often on the road, with disciples in tow. Following Him means being on the move, living out faith in everyday life—whether in the classroom on Monday, at work on Tuesday, in the bleachers Thursday night, or even at the dinner table with family on Friday.

6. Discipleship Is Grounded in the Word. The psalmist also reminds us where this way begins: in the Word. “I cling to Your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame!” (Psalm 119:31). That’s why we gather in Bible Class and Sunday School, in Confirmation and in Lutheran classrooms. It is in God’s Word where He enlarges our hearts to run in the way of His commandments (Psalm 119:32). Yet that way can be difficult: “My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to Your Word” (Psalm 119:28). Discipleship is not the easy path, but it is always the faithful one.

7. Discipleship Is the Way of the Cross. Our Collect today put it well: “O merciful Lord, You did not spare Your only Son but delivered Him up for us all. Grant us courage and strength to take up the cross and follow Him.” That’s the reality Jesus points to in Luke 14. Following Him means going where He went—straight to the cross. “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, even his own life, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26).

8. “Hate” here doesn’t mean emotional rejection, but it does mean that Jesus must be our highest love. When family, money, career, or comfort competes for first place, discipleship means choosing Christ. As Jesus Himself says: “You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).

9. Count the Cost. So Jesus asks: Have you counted the cost? He gives examples in Luke 14:28–32: no one builds a tower without calculating the expense, and no king goes to war without weighing his army’s strength. In the same way, no one should follow Him without realizing it will cost everything. “Any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:33). That’s sobering. It may mean losing the affection of family who oppose your faith. It may mean surrendering financial security or comfort. Discipleship is costly.

10.                  The Good News: Christ Paid the Cost. But here is the Gospel: the true cost of discipleship has already been paid in full. Jesus bore the cross for you. As Paul writes, “He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). On the cross, Jesus paid the cost for every time we failed to love Him first. Through His death and resurrection, He purchased forgiveness and eternal life for us. In Baptism, you were joined to His death and resurrection (Romans 6:3–4). He made you His disciple.

11.                  Discipleship Means Being Salt. So what does that look like? Jesus says: “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13; Luke 14:34–35). Salt preserves, flavors, and gives life. Disciples are useful in God’s kingdom—not by withdrawing from the world, but by seasoning it with the love of Christ. And yes, the world may mock you, even family may resist you. But Jesus gives strength through His Word and Sacraments. He keeps you salty. Discipleship is costly. It is difficult. But in Christ, it also means life—life now and life forever.

12.                  Conclusion. So, dear friends, count the cost. Yes, the road is hard, but it leads to eternal blessing. Jesus has made you His disciple through His death on the cross for You and His resurrection from the dead. He has borne the cross for you, forgiven your sins, and equipped you with Word, Sacrament, and the Holy Spirit. To love the Lord, obey His voice, and hold fast to Him requires grace (Deuteronomy 30:20). And that grace He richly gives. Now the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus until life everlasting. Amen.