[25] And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, [26] If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. [27] And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. [28] For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? [29] Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, [30] Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. [31] 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? [32] Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. [33] So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. [34] Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? [35] 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. **

[25] And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, [26] If any man come to me, and hate (#3404) not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple (#3101). [27] And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Jesus is comparing the love that we have for Him, with the love that we have for family members. The word translated as “hate” #3404 means to “love less”. In other words we must love Jesus more than family members and even more than our life if we want to be His disciple. The word “cross” #4716 means “exposure to death, self denial” as well as the wooden stake. So Jesus is telling us clearly that self denial and exposure to death will be the “test” for His disciples. The word “disciple” # 3101 means “a learner, a pupil.” So Jesus is telling us that these experiences of “self denial” and “exposure to death” are necessary for our learning to be like Him.

[28] For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? [29] Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, [30] Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

Jesus used the example of building a “tower” to help us understand that we must consider what is involved in being a “disciple” of Jesus. A “tower” was built to be able to detect from a great distance when an enemy was approaching. It was also a place of refuge or protection that a person could flee to when the enemy attacked.
Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 61:3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
Just as it requires physical wealth and strength to build a physical tower, so it requires spiritual wealth and spiritual strength to build a spiritual tower. Jesus is our spiritual tower or tower. He alone can protect us from our enemy Satan! Just as we would fail if we tried to build a physical tower without physical strength or physical wealth, so we will fail if we try to build a spiritual tower without Jesus as our spiritual wealth and spiritual strength! By using the example of a tower Jesus is showing us our need for Him.

[31] 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? [32] Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

Jesus here uses the example of two kings at war with each other. One king greatly exceeds the other king in strength. The example illustrates two kings who not only have physical strength but who possess spiritual strength. The spiritual strength of King Jesus greatly exceeds the spiritual strength of Satan! With Jesus on our side we can defeat the enemy Satan!

[33] So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

On the surface it appears that we must “forsake” or be willing to give up all our physical possessions if we want to be a disciple of Jesus, and this is true! But below the surface, Jesus is telling us that we must be willing to give up or forsake all “our” spiritual possessions or spiritual strength. 2 Cor. 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

[34] Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? [35] 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.

The function of physical salt is to “season” or influence whatever it is put into. If the salt has lost its “savor” or ability to influence what it is put into it is worthless! Matt 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth. So the Bible compares us to being like salt. Christians, by their influence are supposed to affect other people in a positive way so that they will be attracted to Jesus. They are to be like Jesus. If they have “lost their savor” and are not being like Jesus, they are worthless and fit to be cast out.