Read Matthew 8: 18 - 22
It seems a bit out of place in the chapter. Chapter 8 is a recounting of miracles ... with example after example of Jesus demonstrating his authority over things in this world. And right in the middle of this litany of miracles are these 5 verses. What can we learn?
We can learn that Christianity is not going to be the "popular" choice in the long run. The costs are too high. Jesus did not want followers who were just swept away with the tide of popular, momentary sentiment and excitement. Emotions run hot and cold. We know that. We experience it almost daily. Faith cannot belong in that category. It must have deeper roots than that. Therefore Jesus makes sure that this scribe in our verses realizes what he is saying. Jesus lets him know that this world is not his home ... there is no place to call "home" for him here. And for those of us who desire to be disciples of the Lord ... this world is not our home either. There is no place to call "home" for us here. We only occupy temporary quarters for a time. And some disciples do not even have temporary quarters. We have already heard Jesus say that his path is small and narrow. (Matthew 7: 13 - 14) It is not the broad, easy way.
Listen to William Barclay:
No one could ever say that the decision to follow Jesus was made under false pretenses. Jesus was uncompromisingly honest. We do Jesus a grave disservice if ever we lead people to believe that the Christian way is an easy way. There is no thrill like the way of Christ, and there is no glory like the end of that way; but Jesus never said it was an easy way. The way to glory always involved a cross.
Lesson #1? Count the cost of following Jesus. You are not joining a club ... you are choosing to follow a Savior and that following involves a death - yours. Death to self ... life to God.
Another man came and expressed his desire to be a follower of Jesus. But ... he had to bury his father first. When we first read Jesus' reply, it sounds harsh, almost cruel and uncaring. But since that is not the nature of the Lord ... there must be something else at play here.
I read the story of a Syrian missionary, M. Waldmeier, and this story is related:
This missionary was friendly with an intelligent and rich young Turk. He advised him to make a tour of Europe at the close of his education. The Turk's reply was that he first must bury his father. Waldmeier expressed his sympathy at the death of the young man's father. But ... it was explained to him that his father had not died. But what was meant was that the young man must fulfill all his duties to his family first. In other words, he could not embark on such a lengthy tour until his father was dead. And that could be years down the road.
With this Eastern cultural insight, I believe we hear Jesus' words more clearly. Jesus told this man that the time for following him was now. Don't put it off. Jesus knows the human heart. He knew that if this man did not follow him now, if he let the moment pass, he never would follow. Life always interferes.
I think I could be the poster child for good intentions - a good word, a note of encouragement, a habit broken, a call to action, etc. But then the moment passes ... and the follow-through never happens.
Lesson #2? When the Holy Spirit speaks into your heart and spirit about something ... do it. Don't procrastinate, don't rationalize it away ... just do it.
"May God give to us that strength of decision which will save us from the tragedy of the unseized moment."
William Barclay
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