Luke 14:25 Meaning and Explanation
“And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Surrounded by an eager crowd, Jesus turns to face them and speak honestly about following Him.
The Context of Luke 14:25
Jesus is on the road toward Jerusalem, drawing large crowds. This verse sets up His hard, honest words about discipleship that follow (verses 26 to 33), where He speaks of counting the cost, like a builder reckoning whether he can finish a tower.
What Does Luke 14:25 Mean?
Great crowds are walking with Jesus, swept along by His miracles and His words. It would be easy to be flattered by such a following. Instead Jesus "turned" to face them. The picture is deliberate: He stops, He looks them in the eye, and He speaks plainly. He is about to tell them that following Him will cost something real, that the road to Jerusalem is not a parade. He loves the crowd too much to let them follow on a misunderstanding, so He turns and tells them the truth.
There is something deeply honest in a Saviour who will not pad His numbers. He wants disciples who know what they are walking into, because He knows where He Himself is walking: toward a cross. He turns to face the multitude the way He will soon turn His face toward Jerusalem, holding nothing back. The One who asks everything of us is the One who would give everything for us, and His honesty is the honesty of love.
How to Apply Luke 14:25 Today
Jesus loves us enough to tell us the plain truth about the cost of following Him, inviting us to walk with Him clear-eyed, knowing that the One who asks much is the One who gave everything for us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 14:25
What does Luke 14:25 mean?
Surrounded by an eager crowd, Jesus turns to face them and speak honestly about following Him.
What is the context of Luke 14:25?
Jesus is on the road toward Jerusalem, drawing large crowds. This verse sets up His hard, honest words about discipleship that follow (verses 26 to 33), where He speaks of counting the cost, like a builder reckoning whether he can finish a tower.
How can I apply Luke 14:25 today?
Jesus loves us enough to tell us the plain truth about the cost of following Him, inviting us to walk with Him clear-eyed, knowing that the One who asks much is the One who gave everything for us.