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 The Cost of Following Jesus 

  

As we saw in our Matthew 4 passage, Peter and Andrew followed Jesus unreservedly, and so did James and John, the sons of Zebedee. However, as we continue to read through the Gospel of Matthew, it seems like not everybody was willing to display that kind of commitment. Certainly, people were fascinated with Jesus and ready to display a certain level of enthusiasm, such as the scribe who approached Jesus and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go” (Matt. 8:19, ESV). As a scribe, this man had a top-level education and was a respected member of the community. He, therefore, was probably accustomed to living in comfort and would have had certain expectations as far as food and lodging were concerned. Jesus sees right through him and his expectations by telling him that even animals have a place to stay but that he, the Son of Man, “has nowhere to lay his head” (v. 20). 

While the scribe had to address his notions of comfort, status, and well-being, another individual had to wrestle with how important his family ties would be, compared to following Jesus. This second man in our passage first wanted to fulfill his obligations as a son and then follow Jesus at some point later in his life. Jesus, however, rearranges his priorities by challenging him with the words, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead” (v. 22). What Jesus makes clear here is that his mission is urgent and that it is of supreme importance. Everything else, therefore, needs to become secondary, even if it is a good thing, such as caring for one’s family. Jesus expects nothing less from us than our absolute allegiance. 

Praise God for …

· the example that Jesus was willing to set for us by living a simple lifestyle

· Jesus’s supreme position – he is more than a teacher or a healer; Jesus is Lord of all, and that is why he rightfully makes such astonishing demands

Pray that …

· the Holy Spirit would show you what other allegiances you have in life, besides Jesus

· you would have a clearer revelation of who Jesus is so that you would be willing to surrender to him more fully