Count the Cost: The Parable of the Tower Builder and Warring King

What Does It Really Cost to Follow Jesus?

Have we truly considered the cost of following Jesus Christ? That is the question raised in Luke 14, where Jesus shares the parable of the tower builder and the warring king. These two brief but powerful parables challenge us to think seriously about discipleship. They are not just stories about construction and battle—they are about the soul-level commitment required to follow Christ.

In a culture that often encourages quick decisions and emotional responses, Jesus takes a different approach. He does not beg for followers. Instead, He warns would-be disciples to slow down and consider the weight of their choice. Faith is not a shallow agreement. It is a life-altering allegiance.

Jesus said,

“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27, ESV).

Then, He illustrates this truth through the parable of the tower builder and the warring king. These examples call us to think. Will we begin the journey only to turn back when things get hard? Will we face spiritual battles without being prepared?

In this study, we will walk through each parable, unpack its meaning, and explore how they challenge us to follow Christ with eyes wide open. When we count the cost, we find the path of discipleship is not easy—but it is worth everything.

Setting the Scene: Who Was Jesus Talking To?

Jesus spoke these words while surrounded by crowds. Luke tells us,

“Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them…” (Luke 14:25, ESV).

This context matters. Jesus was not speaking to His twelve apostles alone. He addressed the large group of people who were interested in Him, curious about His teaching, and possibly eager to follow.

Instead of encouraging them with promises of blessing, He gave them a serious warning. He told them that true discipleship required total commitment—even to the point of forsaking family, possessions, and personal comfort (Luke 14:26–27, 33). These were hard sayings. Yet Jesus did not water them down.

We must understand that following Christ is not a decision made lightly. It is a path that demands faith, endurance, and sacrifice. These parables illustrate that truth with unforgettable imagery.

The Parable of the Tower Builder

Jesus begins with a practical example: building a tower.

“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost,whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’” - (Luke 14:28–30, ESV).

Why a Tower?

In the ancient world, towers were built for several reasons—agricultural watchtowers, fortified structures, or even symbolic projects of prestige. Regardless of the type, towers were serious undertakings. They required planning, resources, and commitment.

Jesus uses this picture to say, “Don’t start something unless you’re ready to follow through.” No builder should lay a foundation without knowing he can finish the structure. Otherwise, the half-finished tower becomes a monument to failure and poor judgment.

Counting the Cost

The key phrase is “count the cost.” Jesus invites us to pause before we commit. He does not want emotional decisions made without thought. Discipleship requires us to ask honest questions:

• Am I willing to give up comfort to follow Jesus?
• Will I obey when it costs me relationships, status, or dreams?
• Do I understand that this journey may include hardship?

These are not easy questions, but they are necessary ones.

The Warning of Incomplete Commitment

The unfinished tower becomes a symbol of shallow faith. Many start the Christian life with excitement, but fall away when trials come. Jesus warned about this in the parable of the sower (Luke 8:13). True disciples do not just begin—they endure.

The Parable of the Warring King

Next, Jesus tells a second parable with a different but related message.

“Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace” - (Luke 14:31–32, ESV).

A Strategic Decision

Here, Jesus presents a king preparing for battle. He must decide whether to go to war or seek peace. But before making that choice, he must “sit down and deliberate.” This is not about pride or passion—it is about sober analysis.

Just like the tower builder, the king must evaluate the cost. War is not something to enter into lightly. Discipleship is no different.

Why a King?

Kings represent authority and responsibility. They do not make decisions in isolation. Their choices affect others. In the same way, our decision to follow Christ is not just personal—it affects our families, our priorities, and how we live in this world.

We must ask: Am I ready to surrender my will to the King of kings? Have I weighed what it means to engage in spiritual warfare under Christ’s command?

Peace or Surrender?

There is an interesting twist. The king in the parable sends a delegation to ask for peace when he realizes he cannot win. Some interpret this as an image of surrendering to Christ. We do not have the strength to win against Him—so we wisely yield.

This surrender is not defeat. It is the beginning of true life. Jesus does not crush us when we come in humility. He receives us, leads us, and empowers us to walk in His strength.

Connecting the Parables: One Message, Two Angles

These two parables work together to deliver a unified message. Whether we are builders or warriors, the principle remains: Think carefully before you commit.

• The builder asks, “Do I have enough to finish?”
• The king asks, “Do I have enough to win?”

Both parables involve foresight, honesty, and humility. Jesus does not want half-hearted disciples. He wants people who have looked at the road ahead and still choose to follow Him.

We often forget that Jesus never promised ease. He promised a cross. But He also promised resurrection, purpose, and eternal life.

Modern Discipleship: Why This Still Matters Today

We live in a world that offers quick solutions and instant gratification. Many churches focus on attracting crowds rather than making disciples. The result? Shallow commitments, disappointment, and confusion when life gets hard.

The parable of the tower builder speaks directly into this moment. Jesus is not looking for fans. He is looking for followers who will build with endurance and fight with faith.

We must teach new believers the full picture. Salvation is a gift, but discipleship is a journey. We do not earn God’s grace—but once received, it reshapes our entire lives.

Misunderstandings to Avoid

It is important to note what Jesus is not saying. He is not teaching salvation by works. We do not earn our place in the kingdom by effort or performance. Rather, Jesus calls us to count the cost of following Him after we receive His grace.

He is also not encouraging fear or hesitation. Counting the cost is not meant to discourage people—it is meant to deepen their resolve. Those who know the cost and still choose Christ are more likely to stand firm when storms come.

The Cross at the Center

Right before these parables, Jesus said:

“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple” - (Luke 14:27, ESV).

This statement sets the tone for everything that follows. The cross is not just a symbol of suffering—it is the path of surrender. To follow Jesus is to die to self. We give up our rights, our pride, and our control.

But in doing so, we find something far greater. We find freedom, peace, and eternal life.

Application: How Do We Count the Cost Today?

So how do we apply these parables to our lives?

1. Evaluate Your Commitments. Are we following Jesus wholeheartedly or halfway? Have we counted the cost?
2. Embrace the Cross. Are we dying to self daily, or avoiding discomfort? True discipleship is not always comfortable—but it is always worth it.
3. Prepare for the Battle. The enemy will oppose us. We need to put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10–18) and be ready.
4. Build with Purpose. Let’s not start things we are not willing to finish. Instead, let’s build lives that honor Christ with every decision.
5. Follow Through. The Christian life is not a sprint—it is a long journey. Let’s finish well.

Closing Thoughts: The Reward Is Greater Than the Cost

The parable of the tower builder and the warring king is not meant to discourage us. It is a gracious warning from Jesus to prepare us for what lies ahead. He wants true disciples, not impulsive starters. He wants people who finish.

Jesus told us to count the cost, not because He wants to keep us away, but because He wants us to come with full understanding. Discipleship is serious. It is not cheap. But it is worth it.

We may give up comfort, approval, or even safety. But we gain Jesus Christ. We gain His presence in this life and eternal joy in the next.

Let us be people who sit down, count the cost, and say with confidence, “Yes, Lord. I will follow You—wherever You lead.”