What does Luke 14:32 mean?

Jesus finishes His warning about the sacrifices His followers must make. Great crowds of thousands of people regularly surround Him. Some listen to His teaching and want to follow Him. Others are primarily interested in the healing and food He can provide (John 6:26). Considering that the Pharisees and Herodians want to kill Him (Mark 3:6), Jesus encourages the crowd to seriously consider whether they are ready to be known as His disciple (Luke 14:25–31).

First, they will have to be so devoted to Him that they're willing to give up their parents, spouses, and children (Luke 12:51–53). Love for their family must look like disinterest compared to their love for Him (Luke 14:26). Second, they need to be willing to give up their lives rather than deny Jesus (Luke 12:4–9; 14:27). Finally, they need to be willing to lose every worldly treasure, honor, or control they have (Luke 14:33).

To drive the point home, Jesus gives two illustrations. In the first, a man builds the foundation of a tower before realizing he doesn't have the money to finish it. Because he didn't count the cost beforehand, the people ridicule his foolishness (Luke 14:28–30).

Second, Jesus talks about a king who is leading his army into battle against a military twice as large. Before the first attack is called, he considers whether he can win with a far inferior force. If victory looks doubtful, he will seek terms of peace, instead (Luke 14:31).

Next, Jesus compares His followers to salt. Salt is good, but mineral that has lost its salt is useless. In the same way, receiving salvation from Jesus is good. Refusing to obey and follow Him afterward results in a useless Christian (Luke 14:34–35).