Luke 14:25

There went great multitudes. Nothing definite is recorded with respect to the time, place, or circumstances under which the counsel of this section was given. The time was probably rather early in the year A.D. 31, and the place, Peraea (see on verse 1). Again the multitudes thronged about Him, as during His public ministry in Galilee (see on Matthew 5:1; Mark 1:28, 37, 44, 45; 2:2, 4; 3:6-10; etc.). Now, toward the close of His ministry, there seems also to have been a growing conviction in the minds of many that He was about to proclaim Himself the leader of Israel in a revolt against Rome (see on Matthew 19:1, 2; 21:5, 9-11). Although many no doubt followed Him out of sincere motives, a majority probably did so either because of curiosity or from selfish motives.

He turned. It seems that as the throng pursued Jesus one day He halted, turned to face them squarely, and set forth the principles recorded in verses 26-35. Many of those who followed the Master were a hindrance rather than a help to His cause. Jesus called upon them, one and all, to think through what they were doing.