The Cost

Passage: Luke 14:25-33

Jesus continues his teaching on the cost of following him in Luke 14. In this passage he uses two analogies that seem to be saying the same thing but are actually saying the opposite.

In the first, Jesus says, essentially, “A developer wouldn’t endeavor to put up a condo tower if he hadn’t first calculated whether he had the funds to see the project through.” In the same way, Jesus says, “Do you have what it takes to go the distance with me?”

Jesus goes on to say, “A president wouldn’t initiate a war with an opponent he had no chance of overcoming. He would assess his military force, and that of his opponent. And if he was outmatched, he would pursue a peace treaty.”

Here Jesus is talking about the alternative to following him. Jesus presents himself as the only way to peace with God. Choosing not to ally with Jesus means, de facto, becoming God’s opponent. In a veiled way Jesus is really asking, “Do you have what it takes to go to war against God? Can you go the distance without me?”

If you’ve done the calculations, and concluded you can’t stand up to God, then for God’s sake, sign the peace treaty. What peace treaty? The one inscribed in Jesus’ flesh and sealed with his blood. God’s terms are beyond reasonable; beyond merciful. You may not like what it'll cost you, but it's far less costly than the alternative. Choose his peace.

The Narrow Door

Passages: Joshua 2; Luke 13:22-30

Periodically in my Bible reading plan the Old Testament and New Testament readings share remarkable continuity. Today my reading includes Joshua 2 and Luke 13.

Joshua 2 includes the account of the Israelite reconnaissance mission to Jericho. Joshua sends two spies into the city (which God has marked for conquest). Somehow the king of Jericho catches wind of the mission, and sends soldiers out to find the spies. They escape capture with the help of a prostitute named Rahab. Showing remarkable discernment, Rahab tells the spies, “I know that the LORD has given you this land…swear to me by the LORD that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you.” Rahab breaks ranks with her people, even though every indication is that Jericho should have no problem contending with the rag-tag army at their gates. She recognizes the irresistible power of the God of the Israelites, and sides with him. This is a move that will cost Rahab everything – her home; her friends; her property. But having come to faith in the one true God, Rahab understands that there’s only one real option. Only one doorway leads to life.

In Luke 13, someone asks Jesus the eminently relevant question, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” His response is this:

Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’
“But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’
“Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’
“But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’
“There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.

Jesus’ response is as unpopular today as ever. But it is the same message that is given throughout the entirety of the Scriptures: There’s only one way to life – God’s way. You can align yourself with the one true God by humbling yourself and becoming God’s servant. Or you can stand proud on your own and be lost. God’s way is costly. It may mean turning your back on pleasures, possessions or people you hold dear. But God affirms again and again that the alternative is infinitely more costly. Those willing to appeal to God’s mercy find it unfathomable and immeasurable. Don’t take your chances. Take the narrow door and get life.