People too often describe themselves as 'believers" and less often as "disciples." Too often we spend our efforts to make people believers and spend little or no time making them disciples. But Jesus called us to "make disciples." Jesus wants followers, not mere assenters to a set of truths.
In Luke 14:25-33, large crowds were following Jesus. A word study in Luke will reveal that these people were differentiated from disciples - in other words, Luke's "crowds" were mostly unbelievers - but at least seekers drawn to some aspect of Jesus' ministry.
Jesus turns to the crowds and encourages them to consider the cost of discipleship. He encourages them to make sure that they can finish what they have started. Jesus makes sure that they understand the high cost of real discipleship - "Any of you that does not give up EVERYTHING he has cannot be my disciple."
Do you really think that Jesus was using hyperbole (overstatement merely for the effect of emotion) to get their attention - but He really didn't mean it? I don't think so - He meant it. To give up EVERYTHING means to put up all we are and have to at the disposal of Christ - our time, money, possessions, and abilities/spiritual gifts for building the kingdom of God.
Are you a disciple? Is EVERYTHING at the king's disposal? Remember, "Any of you that does not give up EVERYTHING he has cannot be my disciple."
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