Jesus calls us to follow Him. These verses challenge us to examine what it truly means to be a disciple. But, sometimes following Christ requires sacrifice. As we reflect on this passage, let’s consider the cost of discipleship and our own commitment to Christ.
These passages include fear and partly about faith – or the lack of it. With Jesus, we can conquer one and have more of the other. But when should I follow Christ? Today? Tomorrow? Now? Let’s find out what Jesus says in Matthew.
When is the Best Time To Start Following Christ?
Now when Jesus saw a crowd around Him, He gave orders to depart to the other side of the sea.
Then a scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.”
Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”
Another of the disciples said to Him, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.”
But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead.” – Matthew 8:18-22 NASB
“For God so loved the world..”
Jesus Says; “Follow Me.” – But When?
This Bible study lesson has many different avenues but I’d like to concentrate on Jesus’ statement “Follow Me, and allow the dead bury their own dead.“.
One meaning could be that, without God, the people mentioned were already dead in spirit. Being “dead in spirit” suggests a state of spiritual emptiness or separation from God. It implies that without a connection to the divine, individuals lack true life and purpose. This spiritual death can manifest as a lack of compassion, love, and moral direction in one’s life.
But, the Disciple Only Wanted to Bury His Father!
In reality, the disciple procrastinated about following Jesus.
Did the young man really need to bury his father? In Jewish tradition a burial ceremony could last for a very long period.
The man could also have been a first-born son who did not want to lose his inheritance.
Whatever the reason, he wanted to put off following Christ until a later date. By then it could have been too late for the disciple — Jesus knew his heart.
Short Term vs. Long Term
Is it better to have faith and follow Christ or to continue living a life of popularity, leisure and habits of this world? Which is better?
We will be here for a very short period of time on the scale of eternity. An investment in following Jesus in this life lasts forever.
How long is forever? I can’t imagine, can you?
No Place to Lay His Head
Even the disciples experienced doubt and fears. Following Christ meant that sometimes they would not even have a place to sleep. But, they followed. They left behind their families, professions, and earthly possessions to walk alongside Jesus. They faced persecution, ridicule, and immense hardship for the sake of spreading His teachings.
These sacrifices illustrate the profound commitment and faith required to truly follow Christ, prioritizing spiritual fulfillment over worldly comforts.
When we decide to become Christians we are not always going to have it easy or be in charge of everything on this earth. But, in my humble opinion, it’s worth the cost. In other words, accepting Christ into our lives will always be worth it in the end.
What About the Rest of Us? When Will We Follow Christ
Although I accepted Jesus at an early age, I fell away and put off following Christ until middle-age. I’m now playing catch-up on learning more about Him.
The good news is that Christ offers me the same salvation as Christians who were raised in the church. He offers that very same promise to you too, no matter where you are in life.
Isn’t God wonderful?
Your Time
If you would like to learn more about following Christ, please take a moment to see John 3:16.
Love in Christ
– Bob