Matthew 8:18-22 is about the importance of fully committing to following Jesus and prioritizing spiritual devotion above earthly concerns, urging disciples to be prepared for the demands and sacrifices that come with wholehearted discipleship.
18 Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side.
19 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 the dead to bury their own dead.”
Setting the Scene for Matthew 8:18-22
In Matthew chapter 8, we find Jesus surrounded by a large crowd of people who have been following Him to witness His miracles and hear His teachings. As the day draws to a close, Jesus decides to cross to the other side of the sea, and His disciples join Him in a boat. The disciples, including Peter, Andrew, James, and John, are experienced fishermen who are familiar with the Sea of Galilee.
As they sail across the sea, a scribe approaches Jesus and declares his intention to follow Him wherever He goes. Jesus responds by cautioning the scribe about the sacrifices and challenges that come with being His disciple. Despite this warning, the scribe remains determined to follow Jesus. Meanwhile, another disciple asks for permission to bury his father before joining Jesus. However, Jesus urges him to prioritize the kingdom of God above all else, emphasizing the importance of commitment and dedication to the call of discipleship.
The scene is set on the tranquil waters of the Sea of Galilee, with the disciples and the crowd witnessing these interactions with Jesus. The setting sun casts a warm glow over the scene, creating a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere as Jesus imparts valuable lessons about the cost of discipleship. The disciples, who have left behind their livelihoods to follow Jesus, are faced with the challenging yet rewarding journey of walking in His footsteps.
What is Matthew 8:18-22 about?
When Jesus says, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple,” He is not advocating for hatred or neglecting our loved ones. Instead, He is emphasizing the level of commitment and priority that should be given to following Him. Jesus is asking us to prioritize our relationship with Him above all other relationships, including those with our family members. This does not mean we should literally hate our family, but rather we should be willing to put our relationship with God first, even if it means making sacrifices or facing challenges in our other relationships.
Imagine a scenario where you have to choose between pleasing your family or staying true to your faith. Jesus is asking us to be willing to choose Him, no matter the cost. Following Jesus requires a total commitment that may sometimes challenge our familial bonds or societal expectations. It is about placing our trust in Him above all else, even when faced with difficult decisions or potential conflicts with our loved ones. We show that God is the ultimate authority in our lives by prioritizing our relationship with Him, and His teachings and guidance take precedence over all other allegiances.
Understanding what Matthew 8:18-22 really means
In the Gospel of Matthew, we encounter a pivotal moment where Jesus confronts the true cost of discipleship. Following a series of miracles that drew crowds seeking His teachings, Jesus is approached by a man proclaiming, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” This declaration of commitment prompts Jesus to reveal the harsh reality of discipleship, stating, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Here, Jesus emphasizes the sacrifices and uncertainties inherent in following Him, challenging the man’s initial enthusiasm with the stark truth that discipleship may not offer earthly comfort or security.
The phrase “Let the dead bury their own dead” further underscores the radical nature of Jesus’ call to discipleship. By prioritizing spiritual commitments over traditional social obligations, Jesus highlights the urgency and singular focus required of those who choose to follow Him. This passage serves as a poignant reminder that following Jesus demands a willingness to forsake worldly comforts and conveniences in pursuit of a higher calling.
Drawing parallels with related Bible passages such as Luke 9:57-62 and Matthew 16:24, we see a consistent theme of self-denial and sacrificial commitment in discipleship. The words of Paul in Philippians 3:8 echo this sentiment, emphasizing the surpassing worth of knowing Christ above all else. These passages collectively challenge us to reevaluate our priorities and consider the depth of our dedication to following Jesus in a world that often values comfort and security above all else.
In a contemporary context, this passage prompts us to reflect on the sacrifices we are willing to make for our faith. Just as the individuals in the narrative faced the choice between earthly stability and spiritual commitment, we are called to examine our own willingness to prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else. Consider the young professional torn between a lucrative job offer and a calling to serve in a mission field. The decision to follow this calling may entail relinquishing financial security and comfort, mirroring the challenges presented in the passage.
Ultimately, this passage challenges us to trust in Jesus even when the path ahead seems uncertain and demanding. By embracing the depth of commitment required in discipleship, we can deepen our faith and strengthen our resolve to follow His teachings wholeheartedly. Let us heed the call to sacrificial discipleship, recognizing that the rewards of knowing Christ far surpass any earthly comforts or securities we may be called to relinquish.
What does it truly mean to follow Jesus?
Following Jesus means prioritizing Him above all else. Jesus emphasizes the demands and sacrifices that come with truly following Him in the given verse. When Jesus tells the man to follow Him, the man hesitates, wanting to prioritize his personal affairs first. Jesus uses this moment to highlight the importance of putting Him above even our closest relationships and most immediate responsibilities. Following Jesus requires dedication, commitment, and a willingness to let go of our own desires and plans in order to fully embrace His will for our lives.
Additionally, following Jesus means being willing to step out of our comfort zones and trust in Him completely. The disciple who asked to bury his father before following Jesus was showing hesitation in fully surrendering to Jesus in that moment. However, Jesus reminds us that following Him requires immediate obedience and faith, even when it may seem inconvenient or uncomfortable. It is about trusting that His plans are greater than our own and being willing to let go of anything that may hold us back from faithfully following Him. To follow Jesus ultimately means surrendering our will to His and trusting in His guidance every step of the way.
Application
Think of your life like juggling work and family. When an urgent call comes in, you drop everything to answer. Jesus is calling you now – will you let go of what’s holding you back and fully commit? Prioritize Him above every other commitment. Are you ready to take that leap and follow Him wholeheartedly?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.