Luke 14:33Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Let us not assume that the attachment to wealth possesses intrinsic strength; instead, the true power lies in our negligence. There are numerous individuals who, it is said, remain oblivious to the concept of silver, indicating that the pursuit of riches is an unnatural desire. From the very beginning, God has instilled in us the basic needs; moreover, for a considerable time, gold and silver were unknown to humankind. What has fueled this longing for riches? It has arisen from pride and excessive carelessness. Among human desires, some are essential, some are innate, and others are merely indulgent. The desires that, if unfulfilled, can lead to physical demise — such as the need for food, drink, and rest — are both natural and essential.

For we ought not to lay a foundation, i. e. begin to follow Christ, and not bring the work to an end, as those of whom St. John writes, That many of his disciples went backward. (John 6:66.) Or by the foundation understand the word of teaching, as for instance concerning abstinence. There is need therefore of the above-mentioned foundation, that the building up of our works be established, a tower of strength from the face of the enemy. (Ps. 61:3.) Otherwise, man is laughed at by those who see him, men as well as devils.

For we fight against spiritual wickedness in high places; (Eph. 6:12.) but there presses upon us a multitude also of other enemies, fleshly lust, the law of sin raging in our members, and various passions, that is, a dreadful multitude of enemies.

Or the ten thousand of him who is going to fight with the king who has twenty, signify the simplicity of the Christian about to contend with the subtlety of the devil.

Or the tower is a lofty watch-tower fitted for the guardianship of the city and the discovery of the enemy’s approach. In like manner was our understanding given us to preserve the good, to guard against the evil. For the building up whereof the Lord bids us sit down and count our means if we have sufficient to finish.

For we must be ever pressing onward that we may reach the end of each difficult undertaking by successive increases of the commandments of God, and so to the completion of the divine work. For neither is one stone the whole fabric of the tower, nor does a single command lead to the perfection of the soul. But we must lay the foundation, and according to the Apostle, thereupon must be placed store of gold, silver, and precious stones. (1 Cor. 3:12.) Whence it is added, Lest haply after he hath laid the foundation, &c.

He also takes an oath, declaring, ‘If anyone does not follow these steps, he cannot be my disciple.’

Because He had been giving high and lofty precepts, immediately follows the comparison of building a tower, when it is said, For which of you intending to build a tower does not first count &c. For every thing that we do should be preceded by anxious consideration. If then we desire to build a tower of humility, we ought first to brace ourselves against the ills of this world.

But there is a difference between renouncing all things and leaving all things. For it is the way of few perfect men to leave all things, that is, to cast behind them the cares of the world, but it is the part of all the faithful to renounce all things, that is, so to hold the things of the world as by them not to be held in the world.

Which commandment ultimately provides the foundational principles for strength of mind? I tell you, do not swear at all. Let your word be sufficient (Matthew 5:34). Furthermore, those who do not renounce all they possess cannot be My disciple (Luke 14:33). Also, strive to enter through the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13). Are these the commandments pertaining to the mind?

The Lord communicated the vital truth regarding the imperative of total self-denial to the people with clear expectations. This message was particularly crucial at a time when the Pharisees opposed Him fiercely, and the ordinary people might blindly follow their own misconceptions about the Messiah. Anyone unwilling to sever all natural ties for the sake of the gospel and who would not consent to carry his cross for Christ cannot truly be His disciple. Just as one would evaluate what is required for a venture or a conflict by assessing their resources to avoid abandoning it mid-course, so too must individuals in this situation reflect on their willingness to make the sacrifices necessary for the kingdom of the Messiah.

This passage begins with a historical introduction and then provides a clear exhortation to the community regarding self-denial, followed by two parables: one about a builder contemplating a tower and the other concerning a king gearing up for battle. Lastly, there is a saying regarding salt. The direct warning is articulated similarly in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus instructs the apostles as He commissions them to spread His message. Since the Evangelists refer to the recipients of this instruction in various ways, it is likely that Christ reiterated these teachings before the gathered multitude, having previously addressed the apostles alone.

Genuine devotion to Christ requires that one be willing to abandon relatives and friends for His sake (Matt. 10:37), or to caution and safeguard oneself against those who may wish to lead one away from Him. While it is essential to honor and love one's parents, caring for them in their later years and obeying them, one must not comply if they compel you to violate His commandments. If your affection for your father leads you to disobey in order to demonstrate your love for him over your love for me, then you are unworthy of me. Moreover, if as my follower you cannot withstand the trials and tribulations that God intends for you, and if you do not take up your cross and follow me, then you are not worthy of me.

To bring them reassurance, He instructed them to live as He did while among them; that those who welcomed them would be welcoming Him; that sacrificing one's life for His sake held greater value than preserving it; and that even a cup of cold water offered to the least of His followers would not go unrewarded in the kingdom of heaven. Cf. also Mk. 10:28-31, Lk. 9:23

"So everyone": this serves as a definitive statement derived from a series of teachings, explicitly stated. - "What has": as the discussion unfolds, it raises the question of what might obstruct an individual from following Christ, be it emotional attachments, sinful desires of the heart, or other passions. Nevertheless, "the intention of the Lord in these illustrations (Luke 14:28-32) is not to offer the option to become or refrain from becoming a disciple but rather to highlight the impossibility of pleasing God amid worldly distractions. In such distractions, the soul risks falling prey to the deceptions of the enemy and finds itself deserving of disdain and mockery for failing to fulfill what it seemingly pursued."

A commitment to Christ that involves self-denial, along with a readiness to endure sacrifices and hardships for His sake, holds tremendous significance and necessitates thoughtful preparation and self-examination. Just as complex endeavors in daily life, such as constructing a tall structure or engaging in conflict with an adversary, are undertaken only after careful assessment of one’s resources and capabilities, so too must one approach the following of Christ. Who among you, wishing to construct a tower, will not consider the cost beforehand to ensure they have what is needed to complete it?