Matthew 8:18-22 The Cost of Discipleship
“And when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave a command to depart to the other side. (of the Sea of Galilee) Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”
Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”
In the early days, everything was great-the crowds were coming, Jesus was healing people, casting out demons, and teaching glorious things. So if things were going so well, why did Jesus insist on leaving a place of fruitful ministry to cross to the other side of the Sea of Galilee where they might not even know about him? The answer lies in Jesus’ relationship with his Heavenly Father. The crowds that were now coming were seeking entertainment, not enlightenment. Jesus wasn’t looking for popularity but for God’s will for his ministry. Jesus was not blindly wandering around the shores of the Sea of Galilee but was taking divine instruction on where to go next. Now God the Father was telling Jesus it was time to move on.
During the discourse we know as the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus laid out the fundamental principles of the Kingdom of God for most of the people around Capernaum and its surrounding villages. Now it was time to take the Gospel to other places. (Remember that the term “Gospel” means “good news.”
“Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Once Jesus left his parents’ home in Nazareth, he never owned a house of his own but was totally dependent on the charity of others. It’s possible that this scribe was honestly hungry for an experience of the One True Living God and was moved by that passion. But as a scribe, this man already had considerable standing in the community. Jesus was not refusing to allow the man to become a disciple; however, he was warning him that discipleship would cost him his social standing, his reputation within the religious sphere, and the security of remaining in one place with a comfortable home and people to care for him. If this scribe had a business, someone else would have to run the business, and the scribe would have to hope that they would do a good job. Perhaps the scribe’s wife wouldn’t understand and might complain to her parents and to the community at large. Becoming an object of charity, losing his social and financial standing, and having to trust God completely for His provision was something this scribe had never considered.
“Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” Notice that this man was already a disciple, not a casual observer. Many Bible scholars believe that this man’s father was still very much alive and that this man wanted to hang around home until his father died so that he would not miss out on an inheritance. While the Scriptures had always taught reverence for parents, this man was trying to use regard for his father-and whatever he would gain when his father died-as an excuse to delay following Jesus. But Jesus already had a sense of urgency, knowing that his time of ministry would be short. Once someone began giving such excuses, one excuse would follow another and there would never be a “right time” to follow Jesus. This man would have to choose between material gain and spiritual gain, and his choice was already clear.
Who were “the dead who were to bury their dead?” Here Jesus was likely referring to those who were spiritually dead and were content to remain at home, never even considering discipleship. But these people were those from whom this would-be disciple would have to wrest his inheritance. Perhaps this man was the eldest son and was set to receive a double portion of his father’s goods if he was present when his father died. For this man, money and possessions were more important than following Jesus, no matter how high-sounding his excuses.
When we read of Jesus calling his disciples, we might not realize the sacrifices they made for their discipleship. According to the Vineyard Community Church Richmond, Jesus’ disciples made many sacrifices when he called them to leave their ordinary lives and follow him:
- Gave up careers: They left their productive trades, such as fishing and tax collecting, to become spiritually productive.
- Left loved ones: They left their wives, children, and comfortable homes.
- Lost status: They lost their clout in their communities and good friends and families.
Jesus also said that following him meant putting away selfish desires and carrying a cross every day. Some say that disciples of Christ are called to be “dead to this world” and to live a life of sacrifice for Christ and others. (Vineyard Community Church Richmond, March 9, 2020)
When we were first preparing to leave for the mission field, we needed a place to stay for two months. When I quoted Jesus’ descriptions of foxes and birds, some friends immediately offered us the use of a small house for those months. In more than four decades of marriage we have never owned a house but have depended on the charity of friends. But sharing accommodation has numerous advantages, chief of which is forging very strong friendships that have stood the test of time. We have not owned a vehicle in America since 1998 but have borrowed vehicles, occasionally renting them when necessary. We can testify with conviction that discipleship costs, but the prize of knowing Jesus is worth far more than any amount of sacrifice.
There were many who wished to follow Jesus but who were unwilling to pay the price. What must those people have felt when they heard of Jesus’ death and resurrection? Did many of these people become Jesus followers later? We can hope so. But during Jesus’ ministry, many listened but did not commit. Today there are those who are attracted to Jesus but who refuse to pay the price because they have no idea what they are missing. These people may be stirred while hearing a Gospel message but once their enthusiasm cools, they back off. If this is your condition, please study the words of this old country Gospel song.
I’m Tired of Being Stirred But Not Being Changed
1. Have I heard it for so long that He’s just another song?
Has the story lost its thrill that I once knew?
Lord, give me a burden that’s so strong,
That it will last when my tears are gone.
I’m tired of what I’ve been. Lord, make me over again.
2. But this time Lord change me, let the work begin just now,
this time Lord change me, please change me somehow,
this time Lord change me, let my life be rearranged,
I’m so tired of being stirred but not being changed.
Chorus
I’m so tired of being stirred about the lost who need to hear.
I’m so tired of being stirred that His coming is so near;
I’m so tired of being stirred till I cry bitter tears.
I’m so tired of being stirred but not being changed.”
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, please change us! We are fed up with compromise; yet, that’s what we keep doing. Help us to follow hard after You all the days of our lives. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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