A scribe then approached and said, “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.” Matthew 8:19-20 (NRS)
Why would Jesus attempt to dissuade the man from following him? Wasn’t the guy sincere? Did Jesus discern that his motivation was emotion-driven? Let us go a little slower here, consider other possibilities. Was Jesus testing the man’s resolve? What has a place to sleep have to do with following Jesus? This is going to take more thought.
Various songwriters have challenged us with their lyrics: “I surrender all”; “All to Jesus”; “Over land and sea, anywhere you send I’ll go.” Such commitments are commendable and worthy of encouragement. They must not be made, however, without considerable time of reflection and prayer concerning the sacrifices and requirements of one’s commitment. Excitement, glamour, and emotion will not sustain an individual over the long haul of pursuing one’s commitment.
Dependence upon God to supply you a place to sleep each and every night requires more intestinal and spiritual fortitude than can be had in one emotional, glamorous event of miracles and ministering to people’s needs. In the 21st century, many American believers see the three Ms (ministry, miracles, money) and immediately think they can make a career of following Jesus. They never stop and consider all the prayer, study, and hard work (that’s right), that undergirds the ministry. They never consider the sleepless nights and troublesome days of fasting and spiritual battle that support the miracles. They never think about the days, months, and years of material sacrifices that have been sown to produce the material harvest they see.
Of course, we all know that following Jesus in ministry is a calling. All believers have a calling to follow Jesus in discipleship and all have a ministry to perform for him. But all believers do not have a calling to sacrifice whatever it takes to follow his example of ministry and obedience to the will of God. Jesus shows the difference when he said, “I’ve got no place to sleep.”
“Lord, I’ll follow you wherever you go.” Such a commitment must not be made lightly and should not be made quickly. Following Jesus is not a quick fix. It’s for eternity!
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Empower us with the strength of steadfast determination. Enable us to follow you in the fullness of our individual calling. Help us all to follow you as your disciples. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for calling us to be his disciples and live to his glory,