What Jesus Did! 'Hold Nothing Back' — Luke 14:31-33

Friday, September 8, 2023

[Concerning the cost of discipleship, Jesus continued,] "Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? And if he can't, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own."
— Luke 14:31-33 NLT

Key Thought

"I surrender!" That's pretty much what Jesus wants to hear from us. We count the cost of our commitment, and we see the lavishness of his grace [1] and realize we need to surrender - everything! Let's hold nothing back!

[1] Ephesians 2:8-10.

Today's Prayer

Father, open my eyes to the things in my life that keep me from serving your Son wholeheartedly as my Lord. In his name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 5:1-11
  • Luke 18:28-30
  • Luke 9:57-62

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 14:31-33 NLT — "Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him?"

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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