Matthew 8

Devotional:
Then one of the teachers of religious law said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.” (Matt. 8:19-20).

This scribe is an aspiring disciple, declaring his intent to follow Jesus wherever he might go. Jesus senses that he is naïve, not fully comprehending the measure of the commitment he is making. Speaking from personal experience, Jesus cautions the scribe that following him is not an easy road; it is often long and grueling, and at journey’s end, rest is often found only in austere and uncomfortable places. Indeed, true discipleship is costly. Ultimately, it requires the denial of self and the taking up of one’s cross to follow him (Matthew 16:24). Question: in speaking to aspiring disciples, are we as candid as Jesus was when he spoke to the scribe?

Pray it:
Jesus, I thank you for the way you endure suffering and hardship on this very earth that you created. Help me to follow you wherever you lead me, even when those paths are uncomfortable and not easy. Amen.

Share it:
Who is someone you can share a verse or thought from this passage with?