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Matthew 8:23-34
JESUS CALMS THE STORM - Apr 22, 2026 -
Matthew 8:5-17
SUCH GREAT FAITH - Apr 20, 2026 -
Matthew 8:1-4
I AM WILLING; BE CLEAN - Apr 19, 2026 -
Matthew 8:23-34
JESUS CALMS STORMS - Apr 22, 2021 -
Matthew 8:18-22
FOLLOWING JESUS - Apr 21, 2021 -
Matthew 8:5-17
THE LORD WHO HEALS - Apr 20, 2021 -
Matthew 8:1-4
I AM WILLING - Apr 19, 2021 -
Matthew 8:1-4
JESUS MEETS A MAN WITH LEPROSY - Jan 01, 2000 -
Matthew 8:5-13
THE FAITH OF THE CENTURION - Jan 01, 2000 -
Matthew 8:14-22
THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP - Jan 01, 2000 -
Matthew 8:23-27
JESUS CALMS THE STORM - Jan 01, 2000 -
Matthew 8:28-34
THE HEALING OF TWO DEMONIAC - Jan 01, 2000
THE COST OF FOLLOWING JESUS
Passage:
Matthew 8:18-22
Key verse: 22
NIV
The Cost of Following Jesus(A)
18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake.(B) 19 Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”
20 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man(C) has no place to lay his head.”
21 Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
22 But Jesus told him, “Follow me,(D) and let the dead bury their own dead.”
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway
ESV
The Cost of Following Jesus
18 Now (A)when Jesus saw a crowd around him, (B)he gave orders to go over to the other side. 19 (C)And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” 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.” 21 Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 22 And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave (D)the dead to bury their own dead.”
Read full chapterThe Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway
A teacher of the law volunteered to follow Jesus anywhere. To follow Jesus means to surrender the right to rule our own lives, placing him above everything else. It also means learning his ways, joining his mission, and showing loyalty to him even when it costs us something. Jesus knew that the man desired the glory of discipleship but did not understand its cost. Jesus’ response, “…the Son of Man has no place to lay his head,” was a sobering reality check. Following Jesus is not a hobby, but a costly commitment. Yet, it is the greatest blessing, because in return we receive eternal life, peace with God, lasting joy, and Christ himself. The cost is temporary, but the blessing is eternal.
Another disciple wanted first to go and bury his father and then follow Jesus. He meant that he would follow Jesus, after fulfilling his family obligation. In other words, he was delaying discipleship until it was more convenient. Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” With these words, Jesus helped him to see the urgency and priority of following him. The call of Jesus is greater than cultural expectations or earthly obligations. Delaying obedience to Jesus’ call can cost us eternity, for no one knows what tomorrow may bring. The right time to respond to Jesus’ call is now.
Prayer: Lord, help me decide to follow you today and be ready to pay the cost.
One Word: Follow Jesus
