Do You Really Want to Follow Jesus?
A reading for Tuesday, June 3, 2014: Matthew 8:18-27.
Following Jesus is not for the faint at heart...
When Jesus noticed the crowds gathering, he knew it was time to move on. His mission was not to be popular, but to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven.
A scribe wanted to follow, but Jesus reminded him that this journey was not one of comfort and luxury as he was used to. A disciple came to follow too, but first wanted to honor his family. Surely a good thing? Jesus said, follow first and let nothing cause you delay. There is an urgency expected when following. There is even danger in the story for the other disciples that follow to the other side, when the storm comes up and threatens the boat...
"Why are you afraid, you of little faith?" says Jesus. Make no mistake about it, following Jesus has a cost and there is risk. This mission is not for the faint at heart.
But for those that follow Jesus, there is good news. For even the wind and the sea obey our Lord. This is the one that all of creation has been waiting for. Jesus Christ is the one who comes to save us. Following Jesus is a risk, but one with great rewards.
Truth is, the crowds will never gather to hear the real Jesus. The cost is too high... But for those that go to the other side with him, there is truly the Kingdom of Heaven.
We are grateful!
Following Jesus is not for the faint at heart...
When Jesus noticed the crowds gathering, he knew it was time to move on. His mission was not to be popular, but to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven.
A scribe wanted to follow, but Jesus reminded him that this journey was not one of comfort and luxury as he was used to. A disciple came to follow too, but first wanted to honor his family. Surely a good thing? Jesus said, follow first and let nothing cause you delay. There is an urgency expected when following. There is even danger in the story for the other disciples that follow to the other side, when the storm comes up and threatens the boat...
"Why are you afraid, you of little faith?" says Jesus. Make no mistake about it, following Jesus has a cost and there is risk. This mission is not for the faint at heart.
But for those that follow Jesus, there is good news. For even the wind and the sea obey our Lord. This is the one that all of creation has been waiting for. Jesus Christ is the one who comes to save us. Following Jesus is a risk, but one with great rewards.
Truth is, the crowds will never gather to hear the real Jesus. The cost is too high... But for those that go to the other side with him, there is truly the Kingdom of Heaven.
We are grateful!
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