Luke 14:27 Meaning and Explanation
“And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →The Context of Luke 14:27
Jesus speaks to the great crowds following Him, surrounded by parables about counting the cost, making clear what genuine discipleship requires.
What Does Luke 14:27 Mean?
Jesus states plainly that following Him requires bearing one's own cross, a costly, total commitment. Whoever will not do this, He says, cannot be His disciple. He speaks these words to the great multitudes traveling with Him, making sure that no one follows under false expectations. Discipleship is not a casual or convenient thing; it asks for everything.
To "bear his cross" was an image full of meaning for Jesus' hearers. The cross was an instrument of death, and one who carried a cross was walking toward the end of his own life. To bear one's cross, then, is to be willing to die to self, to surrender one's own will, comfort, and even life for the sake of following Christ. This does not mean every disciple faces literal martyrdom, but it does mean a genuine readiness to put Christ above all else, whatever the cost. Jesus surrounds this saying with parables about counting the cost: a builder who reckons the price before building, a king who weighs his forces before going to war. He wants would-be followers to understand clearly what they are choosing. Yet this demanding call is meant to be honest rather than discouraging. Following Jesus is the most worthwhile path there is, but it is a path of wholehearted commitment, taken up with open eyes.
Luke 14:27 in the Original Language
The word stauros means "cross," an instrument of execution. To bear it (bastazo) is to carry a heavy burden, here picturing the willingness to die to self in following Christ.
Bible Verses Related to Luke 14:27
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
- Luke 9:23
“And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.”
- Matthew 10:38
“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”
- Galatians 6:14
How to Apply Luke 14:27 Today
Count the cost and follow Christ wholeheartedly, ready to put Him above your own comfort, will, and self.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 14:27
What does it mean to bear your cross?
The cross was an instrument of death, so bearing it means a willingness to die to self, to surrender one's own will and comfort for the sake of following Christ wholeheartedly.
Why does Jesus speak of the cost so directly?
He wants no one to follow under false expectations. Surrounded by parables about counting the cost, He calls would-be disciples to choose with open eyes and full commitment.