Throughout His ministry, Jesus frequently spoke in parables—simple yet profound stories drawn from everyday life that concealed truth from the hard-hearted while illuminating it for those eager to understand. This method of teaching fulfilled the words of Isaiah, highlighting both the mercy of God in offering truth and His justice in confirming the blindness of those who refused it. The parables served to reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom of God to the humble, while confounding those who merely followed Jesus out of curiosity or selfish motives. Against this backdrop, we encounter the Parable of the Unfinished Tower—a vivid illustration of the cost of discipleship, urging those who would follow Christ to weigh the seriousness of that choice before embarking on the journey.
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Jesus told this parable during His final journey toward Jerusalem, where He would soon suffer, die, and rise again. As He moved closer to the fulfillment of His redemptive mission, the crowds that followed Him grew larger. Many were drawn by His miracles and teaching, but Jesus, knowing their hearts, recognized that much of their enthusiasm was shallow. These were people eager for blessings, for deliverance from Rome, for a Messiah who would meet their expectations. Yet few truly grasped the depth of commitment required to follow Him. To confront this superficial excitement, Jesus issued a series of hard sayings that cut through false hopes and demanded sober reflection. He declared that anyone who wished to follow Him must be willing to place loyalty to Him above even the dearest earthly relationships. He called for a devotion that made everything else—including family ties and personal ambitions—secondary to the claims of the Kingdom.
In this context, Jesus introduced the Parable of the Unfinished Tower, asking a question that would have immediately resonated with His listeners: “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” The image He used was familiar in the ancient world. Towers were common in vineyards and on estates, built to provide security and oversight. Constructing such a structure was a significant undertaking, requiring careful planning and sufficient resources. No wise builder would begin laying a foundation without first determining whether he could finish what he started. To do otherwise would be to invite disaster and disgrace.
Jesus continued, “For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’” His point was clear and direct: just as a builder must consider the cost before beginning construction, so must a would-be disciple consider the cost of following Him. Discipleship is not a decision to be made on impulse or emotion. It demands total commitment, self-denial, and a willingness to persevere through difficulty. To start the journey of faith without understanding its demands is to risk spiritual failure and public reproach.
In the culture of Jesus’ day, an unfinished tower would have been a lasting monument to folly. People would pass by the incomplete structure and mock the builder’s lack of foresight. In a society where honor and reputation mattered deeply, such public shame was no small matter. Jesus used this imagery to drive home the seriousness of discipleship. Those who begin to follow Him without true dedication not only risk personal loss but bring dishonor to His name. The Christian life is not for those who make hasty commitments only to abandon them when trials come. It is for those who are prepared to endure to the end.
From a dispensational perspective, this parable focuses on individual responsibility rather than the broader scope of God’s redemptive plan for Israel and the nations. While many of Jesus’ parables reveal truths about the coming Kingdom and God’s dealings with His people collectively, this teaching emphasizes the personal cost of following Christ. The builder represents anyone considering discipleship, and the tower symbolizes the life of devotion and obedience required of Christ’s followers. In Jesus’ immediate context, this was a direct challenge to the multitudes who were fascinated by His miracles but unwilling to surrender fully to His lordship. Many desired the benefits of the Kingdom without the sacrifice of self that genuine discipleship demands.
For Israel, this parable served as a rebuke to superficial faith. The nation as a whole was eager for a Messiah who would bring political deliverance, but few were willing to embrace the suffering Servant who called them to repentance and self-denial. For future Tribulation believers, this parable will take on even greater urgency. In a time when allegiance to Christ will mean persecution and death at the hands of the Antichrist’s regime, only those who have truly counted the cost will endure. The message is timeless: discipleship requires more than enthusiasm; it requires endurance.
Culturally, Jesus’ illustration would have struck a chord with His audience. Builders in the ancient world who began projects without the means to complete them faced not only personal financial ruin but lasting public scorn. The unfinished structure became a visible symbol of failure. In a world without modern construction loans or safety nets, such folly could have devastating consequences. The imagery of the tower—likely a vineyard watchtower or estate structure—added weight to Jesus’ words. Building such a tower was not merely ornamental; it was functional and necessary for protection and stewardship. To begin such a project without planning was inexcusable. Jesus applied this reality to the spiritual realm, challenging His listeners to understand that following Him required thoughtful, deliberate commitment.
The apostolic writings echo this same principle. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 9, compares the Christian life to a race that demands self-discipline and endurance, warning against the shame of being disqualified after beginning the race. In Hebrews 12, believers are urged to run with perseverance, fixing their eyes on Jesus and not growing weary or losing heart. The Christian life is not a sprint of initial enthusiasm but a marathon requiring steadfast devotion. Those who embark on it without counting the cost are in danger of faltering along the way.
For modern believers, the Parable of the Unfinished Tower offers a sobering reminder that the call to follow Christ is not to be taken lightly. Salvation is by grace through faith, entirely the gift of God. Yet the call to discipleship—the call to live as one who belongs to Christ—demands our whole heart, our full allegiance, and our daily surrender. It is a call to die to self, to take up the cross, and to follow wherever He leads. Jesus does not seek half-hearted followers. He seeks those willing to endure, to suffer, to serve, and to remain faithful until the end.
The parable challenges each hearer to examine their own heart. Are we willing to follow Christ no matter the cost? Are we prepared to finish what we have begun? Have we truly counted the cost of discipleship, or are we content with a shallow profession that falters when tested? The shame of an unfinished tower is nothing compared to the tragedy of a wasted life—a life that begins with promise but fails to glorify God because it lacked true devotion.
In the end, the Parable of the Unfinished Tower points us to the seriousness of the Christian life. It warns against impulsive decisions and calls for sober reflection. The journey of discipleship is not easy, but it is worth every sacrifice. The cost is great, but the reward is eternal.
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This post draws from my book, The Parables of Jesus: Covert Communication from the King (Grace and Knowledge Series, Book 7), where I explore the prophetic and dispensational significance of each parable in detail.
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