No Established MinistryAs Jesus crossed the Galilee to take a break from the crowds, a religious leader volunteered to become his disciple. Jesus replied in a rather discouraging tone that foxes and birds have established places to live, but the Son of Man has nowhere. This also serves as an admonition for established churches today. We may dream of a large church building with programs for all ages, professional quality music and comfort. Jesus indicated that his ministry would not yield an institution with cozy benefits.2 This is a warning for us today. There is a grave danger in being an established church. We can become comfortable, materialistic, afraid to let the truth of the Gospel upset the apple cart. We may be men-pleasers, not wanting to offend major financial supporters, unwilling to preach against sin, afraid to speak the truth plainly. Preachers are tempted to speak "smooth things" and prophesy deceits (Isaiah 30:10). What's in it for you? Are you willing to follow Christ wherever he leads, even if it means that you will be uncomfortable? 2Jack Dean Kingsbury, "On Following Jesus: The 'Eager' Scribe and the 'Reluctant' Disciple (Matthew 8:18-22)," NTS 34 (1988): 47-52 Lower Priority of FamilyCommitment is important if we want to follow Jesus. One of Jesus' would be disciples asked to go and bury his father before following him. One of the greatest principles of the entire Bible is to honor our parents. Yet, Jesus' response is in this case quite shocking. He tells the would be follower to let the dead bury their dead. Jesus was not condoning the dishonoring of our parents, but rather elevated following him to a level above that obligation. Anything that gets in the way of unqualified commitment to Jesus, must be set aside.3 Family is one of life's highest priorities. However, family cannot be allowed to take a higher priority over our commitment to Jesus (Matthew 10:37-39; Luke 14:25-26). This requires wisdom and the application may not always be easy. What's in it for you? Are you willing to place Jesus as first priority in your life, even above honor to parents and family responsibility? 3Michael J. Wilkins, "The NIV Application Commentary - Matthew," Zondervan (2004): 350.
8:18 Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. 8:19 And a scribe came up and said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." 8:20 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." 8:21 Another of the disciples said to him, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." 8:22 But Jesus said to him, "Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead."
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