Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Matthew 8:18-22

THE COST OF FOLLOWING JESUS

Keywords 8:22

But Jesus told him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead."

 

1. The Son of Man has no place (18-20)

The teachers of the law followed rabbis and mentors with great expectations. Likely, this teacher of the law wanted to follow Jesus and receive a nice place in society, perhaps a furnished living place, or generous research grant to follow Jesus. But Jesus stated, Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head. To follow Jesus is to follow his poor and pure lifestyle. This requires a motive to learn from Jesus, not seek benefit or privilege. Learning from Jesus is the best privilege and benefit, regardless of human circumstances.

 

2. Let the dead bury their own dead (21-22)

Another man wanted to follow Jesus, but felt torn by his perceived obligation toward his family, especially his father. But Jesus was clear with him: Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead. Jesus surely wanted him to honor his father and mother. But the opportunity to follow Jesus was the best privilege. As Jesus sacrificed his life for us, he expects us to put priority in following him.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for the privilege to follow Jesus. Grant me a thankful heart and priority to follow Jesus over all things.

One Word Follow Jesus

No comments:

Post a Comment

GIDEON’S PUSUIT Judges 8:1-21 / Keywords 8:4 Gideon and his three hundred men, exhausted yet keeping up the pursuit, came to the Jordan and ...