“And a scribe came up and said to Him, ‘Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.’” (Matthew 8:19)
Jesus was rejected by many of His own people. In Matthew 8:18-22, there were two people who told Jesus that they wanted to follow Him. You may be surprised by Jesus’ reaction: “Know what you are getting into.” Following Jesus may require you to let go of parts of your life that are important to you. It may cost you friendships, popularity or familiar habits. It usually takes you out of your safe comfort zone. Are you willing and able to do that?
There was a man who wanted to bury his father before he followed Jesus. Jesus’ answer seems harsh: “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their dead…” It was a matter of honor to stop whatever you were doing for a funeral, especially if it was for your parents. Jesus didn’t mean that we should become indifferent to what is happening in our immediate circle and no longer take responsibility for our relationships with others. But He does make it radically clear that following Him can demand radical choices. Don’t put it off. Don’t wait until you think you’re ready to go with Him, as there can always be something to stop you.
What impact do Jesus’ words have on you? What have you had to let go of in your life in order to follow Jesus? What have you received from Jesus in return?