Counting the Cost - All Our Daily Bread Daily Devotionals for 2026

Bible in a Year : Ezekiel 3-4, Hebrews 11:20-40

Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost?
Luke 14:28

Today's Scripture & Insight : Luke 14:25-35

Locals call it “The Road to Nowhere,” but its official name is Lakeview Drive. It’s a scenic six-mile stretch overlooking Fontana Lake in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City, North Carolina. After the road goes through a 1200-foot-long tunnel blasted out of a granite mountainside, it abruptly stops. The government had spent millions of dollars until environmental concerns discovered later ended the project.

Jesus, who was a carpenter by trade, once told a construction parable about counting the cost of following Him. “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower,” He asked. “Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” (Luke 14:28). Another parable follows about a king who considers the cost of going to war, and it makes the same point. Speaking to the “large crowds . . . traveling” with Him (v. 25), Christ wanted them to understand that there was a cost to sincerely believing in and following Him.

Following Jesus only because of what He can do for us is a “road to nowhere.” But following Him for Him—turning daily from sin and self-focus to live for Him and His kingdom (carrying our “cross,” as He put it in v. 27)—changes everything. The cost must be counted. But He’s worth it.

By: James Banks

Reflect & Pray
What has believing in and following Jesus cost you? Why is nothing worth more than truly knowing and following Him?

Beautiful Savior, please help me live for You more than anything else. Nothing could ever compare with the goodness of knowing You!