"Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple." -- Luke 14:33

Just before this verse, Jesus illustrates his point by pointing out that anyone building a tower will first sit down and estimate the cost before building, and any king going into battle will first consider whether he is able with the number of men he has.  And then he flips it... he says in the same way, but it's in a totally different way really... he who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.  In the first two examples, it was about making sure there was enough for the task.  In the example of following Jesus, it's about making sure that there is nothing left to carry.  To build, you must amass.  To go to war, you must amass.  To follow Jesus, you must discard.  In the zen tradition, it is referred to as "emptying your cup"-- in order to learn the ways of the master, you must discard all the learning you have held on to.  With Jesus, it's the same.  Forget everything you thought you knew... open your mind, your heart, and your spirit and empty yourself.  Hold no emotional tie to any physical belonging or property.  Then you will be ready to follow.

Readings: Joshua 3:1-4:24; Luke 14:7-35; Psalms 80:1-19; Proverbs 12:27-28