Jesus switches to an illustration about planning to build a tower and counting the cost before we do so. Or a king preparing to wage war against an enemy but first reckoning on the strength of his own troops before committing himself. In the same way, we are to reckon the cost, count the cost before committing ourselves to a life of discipleship.
Blind commitment that expects only blessings is of no use to God: he wants disciples who are committed and prepared to live sacrificially for him.
Jesus wasn’t impressed by large crowds. He wasn’t impressed on this occasion. He wasn’t impressed on Palm Sunday.
It is easy to join the crowd, or come to church, when things are going well. But the test of true discipleship is how we respond in times that are tough and whether we are able to obey God, even when the cost to us is high.