Parable of the Tower: Verse, Meaning & Lesson

The Parable of the Tower is in Luke 14:28–33. Jesus told this parable to teach that one should not commit to something, like being a disciple of Christ, without first considering the complete dedication and potential sacrifices this decision entails.

This guide gives you a complete summary of the Parable of the Tower, including the verses in Scripture, the meaning, and lessons that can be applied to the Christian life.

Note: This parable is also referred to as the Parable of the Tower Builder and the Warring King or King at War.

Parable of the Tower In Scripture

Luke 14:28–33 – Parable of the Tower

²⁸ For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it? ²⁹ Or perhaps, when he has laid a foundation and isn’t able to finish, everyone who sees begins to mock him, ³⁰ saying, ‘This man began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’ ³¹ Or what king, as he goes to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? ³² Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an envoy and asks for conditions of peace. ³³ So therefore, whoever of you who doesn’t renounce all that he has, he can’t be my disciple.

Read Luke 14

Parable of the Tower Meaning

This parable means that one should not begin a significant endeavor, like following Christ, without first considering if they are willing to complete it, which may involve sacrifice and hardship. It serves as a metaphor for the level of dedication required to be a disciple of Jesus, highlighting the need for full commitment and the willingness to give up everything if necessary.

Parable of the Tower Lessons

Count the Cost

The main lesson is that before embarking on the path of discipleship, you should consider the full implications and sacrifices that may be required. The parable emphasizes the foresight that one must have in their spiritual journey.

Commit Wholeheartedly

Following Christ requires a complete and unwavering commitment, not a half-hearted effort that leads to an unfinished “tower” and spiritual failure.

Prepare for Challenges

Another lesson is this: just as building a tower or preparing for battle requires planning, Christians should be prepared for the challenges and opposition they may face in their faith. Being a Christian is not always easy and there will be setbacks as you grow in your faith and try to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others.

Prioritize Spiritual Goals

The parable teaches the importance of prioritizing spiritual goals over worldly concerns, ensuring that one’s actions align with the commitment to follow Christ. As the parable says, whoever does not renounce all they have to follow Christ cannot be a true disciple. There will come times when you have to make choices to sacrifice worldly desires and things to follow through on your commitment to Jesus.

Seek God’s Guidance

In any endeavor, especially in the spiritual realm, seeking God’s guidance and wisdom is crucial for success and avoiding the ridicule of an incomplete “tower”. God does not expect you to figure it all out on your own because you can’t. Go to Him in prayer and read His Word in the Bible to gain wisdom and understanding on how to follow through wholeheartedly on your journey with Christ.

Summary of the Parable of the Tower

We hope you enjoyed this summary of the Parable of the Tower.

As you discovered, the Parable of the Wedding Feast appears in Luke 14:28–33. And the primary meaning of the parable is that one should not begin a significant endeavor, like following Christ, without first considering if they are willing to complete it through hardship and sacrifice. The life lessons include to count the cost of discipleship, commit wholeheartedly to Christ, prepare for challenges, prioritize spiritual goals, and seek God’s guidance throughout your spiritual journey.