By this time in his ministry, large crowds following Jesus have turned into great multitudes. On this occasion, he turns to them, and asks them, in essence, “Do you understand the consequences of following me?” He lays out the cost of discipleship in parable examples they can understand.

Everyone who wants to be a follower of Jesus should seriously look at the consequences that may come and should be prepared to face them. Make the decision with the same forethought and determination as one does in other areas of life. One would not begin to build without a reasonable prospect of being able to finish. Men would not go to war if they thought they would be defeated. Becoming a Christian requires serious thinking and purpose. One should take that action only after resolving to fulfill all requirements and make it the primary goal of his life.

We are to expect difficulties in our lives as Christians. It will cost us embarrassment and guilt of our sins, a life of self-denial and on-going conflict with our lusts and weaknesses. The world will be our enemy and we may be ridiculed for our faith. It may possibly cost us our reputation, our liberty, our life, and all that is dear to us. We must accept whatever comes and be prepared to face it.

In making the decision to follow Christ, we must deliberately resolve to always follow him, to suffer through all things that may be laid on us, and to persevere to the end of our days in his service. Otherwise, we are not worthy to be his disciple. A mere profession to be a Christian makes one like the salt in Jesus’ parable – useless and ineffective – like the unprofitable servant to be cast out into utter darkness at the day of judgment.