23
"The master said, 'Then go to the country roads. Whoever you find, drag them in. I want my house full!
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Let me tell you, not one of those originally invited is going to get so much as a bite at my dinner party.'"
25
One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them,
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"Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters - yes, even one's own self! - can't be my disciple.
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Anyone who won't shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can't be my disciple.
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"Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn't first sit down and figure the cost so you'll know if you can complete it?
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If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you're going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you:
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'He started something he couldn't finish.'
31
"Or can you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the twenty thousand troops of the other?
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And if he decides he can't, won't he send an emissary and work out a truce?
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"Simply put, if you're not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can't be my disciple.