Matthew 8:14-22

Matthew 8:14-22

Jesus heals three undesirables: a leper (v.3), a centurion's servant (v. 13), and a woman (v. 15). Hard on the heels of this, large crowds gather around Jesus wanting healing. With every success and a rise in popularity Jesus makes plans to leave. In this case to go across the lake where He is unknown. Why did Jesus consistently walk away from such large groups? One might conclude that Jesus saw popularity as counter productive to His mission.

Even in the context of the trip across the lake Jesus leaves two would-be traveling companions behind. One was described as an educated man. He was a white collar scholar rather than blue collar laborer. Matthew tells us that Jesus discouraged the scribe by pointing out that the demand of following Jesus is high. Jesus says, "Here's what being a disciple is like." The man doesn't follow. Did Jesus tell him, “No” or did he decide not to follow because the demands were too high?

Another comes to him and he is described as a disciple. He's willing to follow Jesus, but wants to bury his father. Whether the father is dead or not we don’t know. What is clear is that the call for the disciple to obey is not to be delayed. There are no terms whereby I, as a disciple, set terms for God. The call to follow takes priority over everything. There is no use in saying "I will follow on my terms". That is not the life of a disciple.

Jesus is calling the disciples away from success, popularity, and security and will lead them into difficulty. They are about to face life-threatening storms and the real tangible powers of the demonic. Jesus doesn't tell them what they will face. He tells them only to obey. He gave commands. He did not tell them what to expect. by doing so Jesus requires that His disciple trust Him and rely on Him in each moment.

There are many voices that demand my attention and obedience. My own voice is among them. But Jesus' voice is the only one I must hear and obey.

"Lord, please help me to live in full obedience to You in every moment. Give me eyes that are blind to security, popularity and success and only able to see You. AMEN