Jesus provides two illustrations to explain and support the truth that I must carry my cross as Jesus bore his cross. The first example illustrates the important preconstruction practice of considering the cost before building. Making and keeping a budget at the get-go with milestones is important for any project. If I do not have enough money, I should either not build or not build so big and elaborate.
Jesus is saying, “Following me is not going to be easy. You will, at times, have to sacrifice your ambitions, hopes, and dreams when following me or doing good for others. Are you willing to give up what you love to obey me and carry your cross?”
The other example Jesus provided is the preemptive tactic of war. If a king has ten thousand troops and his opponent has twice as many, he needs to consider if he can win. If he can not, it is best to ask for the price of peace when the invader is far off.
Jesus concludes the illustrations, “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” The cost of following him, Jesus warned, is complete surrender to him. Can you still say, “I love Jesus,” while not complying with complete surrender?
