Following Jesus – The Cost of Discipleship

“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.”

Matthew 8:20

Dear Family & Friends,

Often we respond to situations based on our own wants and needs. It takes an astute individual to look beyond his desires and see the whole picture. Matthew continues his gospel with more evidence of Jesus’ identity. Jesus had authority over disease and distance, and this power was prophesied about in the book of Isaiah. While many received healing and believed, others only wanted to receive the benefits of Jesus’ healing touch without any commitment to Him and His kingdom. But for the discipleswho would truly follow the King there would be a price to pay.

Jesus Heals Peter’s Mother-in-Law

One day Jesus entered the house of His disciple, Peter. There He saw Peter’s mother-in-law listlessly lying in bed with a fever. Approaching the sick woman, Jesus gently touched her hand, and immediately the fever left her. In response, the healed woman got out of bed and began to wait on Him. Her gratitude for Jesus’ kindness manifested itself in service. No job was too menial to perform for the One who had restored her health.

Word that Jesus was in town got around and that evening a crowd of people showed up on Peter’s doorstep. They had heard about all Jesus had done for Peter’s mother-in-law and many others. They, too, wanted the benefit of His healing power. Not only did they bring the sick, but they brought others who were demon-possessed. Jesus graciously healed those afflicted with disease and cast out the demons from those enslaved under the dark spiritual power. Matthew informed his readers that these actions fulfilled the prophecy stated in Isaiah 53:4. “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”

The Cost of Discipleship

As Jesus looked around at the growing crowd He gave orders to launch a boat over to the other side of the lake. But before He embarked a zealous scribe approached Jesus. Most scribes, the men who dealt with all the religious writings of the day, did not look kindly on Jesus and all the attention He was attracting. But this scribe found great interest in what was happening and exclaimed, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” 

Jesus responded to this enthusiastic declaration with a teaching on the cost of discipleship. Jesus knew the hearts of all human beings and understood that many of His followers were only interested in the fringe benefits of His miraculous works. He countered the religious leader and the others listening with this reality, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Those who followed this King would not be living in a palace. His suffering would become their suffering.

Some Rethink Their Commitment

Matthew’s narration does not relate the scribe’s decision, but the message was clear. Following Jesus would have a cost and those listening needed to consider their motives. Another disciple, thinking through the implications of joining with Jesus suggested that he would follow, but needed to first bury his father. Considering that the man’s father was likely not even dead yet, this caveat put the man’s commitment on hold until a more convenient time. Jesus again responded with the invitation and challenge. “Follow me,” He said, “And leave the dead to bury their own dead.”

Today’s Invitation and Challenge

Today, we are offered the same invitation and challenge. “Follow me,” Jesus solicits. But this invitation comes with more than just the promise of sins forgiven and answered prayers. We must decide if we are willing to pay the cost of discipleship. The benefits of Kingdom living overflow with blessing, but following Jesus is not always an easy road.

Will you respond to Jesus based only on your own wants and needs? Or will you gladly follow Him out of gratitude and love no matter the cost of discipleship?

Love,

Mama