Luke 14:31-35
Luke 14:31 (KJB)
Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first,
and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh
against him with twenty thousand?
Then Jesus gives another parable concerning preparation. He states that what
type of king would wage a war against another king when the other king has
20,000 soldiers and the planning king has 10,000. Now it is possible for a
smaller army to defeat a bigger army but it takes planning, training, and
courage to face them. If the king is sure that he has these things in his ranks,
then he could make an attempt to defeat the other army. Mere numbers on a
battlefield does not make a superior army. This is why so many died in the US
Civil War on both sides because they were still using Revolutionary war tactics.
Planning and strategy is very important when planning anything, even if you have
a bigger army but that bigger army may be unready to face a foe because they
have not been vigilant in preparation.
Luke 14:32 (KJB)
Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and
desireth conditions of peace.
An alternative method for the king threatened with being invaded is to send a
delegation and attempt to negotiate a peace pact. Now this does not mean we make
some kind of peace treaty with Satan because remember, he is a liar and he would
break it in a moment. What Jesus is emphasizing here is that a Christian needs
to realize what it takes to war against Satan and the ways of the world. These
two parables teach us that what is involved in the war against the kingdom of
Satan is building and fighting against those evil ways. Anyone who follows Jesus
must consider these very carefully.
Luke 14:33 (KJB)
So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he
cannot be my disciple.
Jesus continues to emphasize commitment. If a person is not fully committed to
Jesus, and only takes the commitment half way, they will eventually be derailed
and diverted. This is why Jesus mentioned taking up their cross and following
Him. To be crucified was an action from which there was no turning back and that
is what Jesus is trying to get across to these people. To follow Jesus meant
that there had to be a forsaking of all things of the former life such as
worldly desires and goals along with possessions. Now this does not mean we
sequester ourselves in some type of community but it means we are to be active
in the world while being spiritually and mentally free from all worldly thinking
which could cause us to serve Christ with reservation. We are to serve Christ
without reservation. Notice that Jesus said unless we forsake everything, we
cannot be His disciple. The word “cannot” is a word of ability, so if we do not
forsake the encumbering things of the world, we will be unable to be His
disciple.
Luke 14:34 (KJB)
Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be
seasoned?
What Jesus was pointing to in this verse was that if the salt that was in a
person was real, then it meant that they would be the salt of the earth. Now
this has nothing to do initially with preserving society because if that was the
case, then this present world would never end and a new one be created. What
Jesus is speaking about here is that if the Gospel which is within you, is the
pure, truthful gospel, then you are able to salt those who hear and those who
hear and receive it. If the salt has lost its savour, becomes tasteless, then
basically how can its usefulness be restored?
Luke 14:35 (KJB)
It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out.
He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Just as salt cannot be seasoned, there is nothing that can make up for the
Christian losing his influence on others. There is nothing greater than salt
being used for the seasoning effect. There is nothing greater than Christianity
where the Christian can turn to have their withered witness renewed. Salt which
has lost its savour is not even good to be mixed with manure, instead it is so
useless it is just thrown away. Those who refuse to follow Jesus and want to
remain in the world will be judged on the last day and sentenced to hell. Those
Christians who refuse to follow Jesus with a total commitment will be just like
the salt, their testimony will be useless. Jesus ends this verse with His famous
“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Those who are saved and just listen
to sermons and make the most minimal commitment, will be like the useless salt
because Jesus demands the maximum commitment from His people. He gave the
maximum commitment by giving His life and He expects us to give our lives in
service, and maybe in martyrdom.