Matthew 8:18-22
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
As news of Jesus’ miracles spread, large crowds gather and follow him from place to place. Read Matthew 8:18-22 noting any questions that arise as you read.
Jesus doesn’t do the things we’d expect a rising star to do. Instead, he instructs people to stay silent when he heals them miraculously, and he actively seeks to remove himself from the gathering crowds. He seems to know that most people are coming to him only for what they can get from him and have little desire to give their lives to him.
When a scribe (teacher of religious law) pledges his allegiance, Jesus doesn’t jump at the opportunity to gain one of the religious elite as a follower. Instead, Jesus tells him the truth: genuine followers will stay with Jesus even when life is uncomfortable. Home is wherever Jesus is.
Contemplate this for a moment. What is your reaction when life becomes uncomfortable? Do you lean in closer to Jesus, or do you blame God for your discomfort? Share your thoughts and feelings about this with Jesus.
Read Matthew 8:18-22 again focusing on the second “offer” extended to Jesus.
Many more than twelve people are traveling with and learning from Jesus as this story unfolds. In Luke’s Gospel we see that at one point in his ministry, Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples to proclaim and demonstrate the Kingdom of God in his name. In today’s passage, a person from Jesus’ wider circle of disciples reconsiders his commitment.
The father mentioned in this story is most likely very much alive, but the disciple feels the tug of loyalty to family and wants to push pause on his discipleship to Jesus until a more convenient time. But with Jesus the time is always now.
Life will throw many roadblocks in our way – good and bad – and any of them can distract us from the more important reality that Jesus is our home and Jesus is our life.
Take a few moments to become still and listen to Jesus. Picture walking into the door of a safe, welcoming home and finding Jesus there. What does Jesus say to you? What do you say to Jesus? Stay with this as long as you need.
Do you sense that Jesus is inviting you to new ways of following him?
What will you do to respond?
Subscribe here to receive these guided meditations free by email Monday-Friday each week. If you find these meditations helpful, please forward them to a couple of friends.
The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
