S4E20: The Parable of the Tower and the Army

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In this episode we discuss the parables of the Tower and the Army in Luke 14. As with his other parables, Jesus affirms the apocalyptic framework that was common in first century Judaism. He calls the crowds to persevering discipleship by “hating” one’s life and renouncing family, possessions, and security in order to “complete the tower” (Luke 14:28-29) and endure until the end and, thus, to inherit eternal life.

Show notes

• The apocalyptic context of the parable (5:15)
• Semitic hyperbole: Jesus said to “hate” your own life – Malachi 1:2-3; Deuteronomy 33:8-9 (8:36)
• He “cannot be my disciple”: permission vs. ability unto perseverance (13:28)
• Bearing the cross – 2 Maccabees 7; Romans 8:17-18 (16:07)
• Building a tower and counting the cost (18:03)
• Renouncing everything in this age – Luke 12:33; Mark 10:21; Luke 18 (19:27)
• Salt and saltiness – Luke 9:62 (27:50)
• Modern approaches to the parable (31:25)