What Luke adds

Mark highlighted Jesus’ teaching about the cost of discipleship: ‘deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me’ (Mark 8:34).

Matthew highlighted the reward of discipleship, ‘you will receive treasure in heaven’ (Matthew 13:44-46, 19:21).

John emphasises that ‘love for one another’ is the evidence that a person is a disciple (John 13:35).

So, what aspect of Jesus’ teaching about discipleship does Luke highlight?

Luke’s leading passage about discipleship is Luke 14:25-33, and it is similar to Mark’s leading passage, Mark 8:34 – 9:1, in that Luke records Jesus making the same points but using different words and imagery. Jesus must be the disciples’ primary relationship, v27, their primary ambition, v28, and their greatest asset, v33.

But just as Matthew included two parables that no other New Testament writer used to describe the rewards of the kingdom, Matthew 13:44-46, so Luke also adds two parables that no other New Testament writer uses: the parables of building a tower and waging a war; Luke 14:28-32.

By including these two parables, Luke is emphasising Jesus’ teaching that discipleship will require committed determination.

Only the builder who is fully committed to putting his resources into building the tower will be able to complete the building.

It is possible for a small army to defeat a larger one, but only if it is well-led, well organised, well-trained, and completely committed to victory.

Mark tells us that discipleship begins with denying ourselves.

Luke is telling us that discipleship involves committed determination.

John tells us how to recognise a disciple – they are the ones who love one another.

Matthew highlights the riches and the rewards in the kingdom that we disciples are receiving and will receive.

Stories from the Kingdom

I know a man who prayed daily for his daughter to return to walking with the Lord. After twenty-five years, she started practicing her faith again.

I once had the privilege of meeting Peter Horrobin, the founder of Elle Ministries. Over lunch, he told me about how God had called him to found Elle Ministries (in 1986) and how this healing and deliverance ministry is now established in many countries throughout the world. God called, provided, and established the ministry, and many, many disciples have been helped and strengthened through it.

In both these stories, we see the determination that Jesus describes in building a tower and waging war against a larger army.