Day 19: February 15

Matthew 8:14-22
SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHTS
v.20 “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
v. 22 “And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”

OBSERVATION
In verses 14-17 Jesus is busy healing. He heals by both simple word and by simple touch. Healing is instantaneous. He releases people from demonic oppression and heals all who were sick. This is in fulfillment of ancient prophecy (an important theme for Matthew) which again confirms that Jesus is the promised one.

Jesus’ amazing healing ministry draws crowds, but he isn’t interested going viral. He gives orders to escape over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. This is a good way to get rid of people. The Sea is roughly thirteen miles long and eight miles wide. It would take a determined person at least six hours of nonstop walking to get to the opposite shore. Why is Jesus avoiding attention and fame? How is his idea of God’s work (successful ministry) different from ours?

Two people are interested in sticking with Jesus as he plans to move on: a “scribe” and “another of the disciples”. (Does that mean they were both disciples? What exactly is a scribe, anyway? What is a disciple?)

The scribe calls Jesus “teacher” and the “other disciple” calls him “lord.” What do these titles mean? How are they alike? Or different? What do they tell us about Jesus? What do these titles tell us about the people using these terms?

The scribe makes a commitment: “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go!” Jesus responds that “the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Jesus is homeless. He has no campaign headquarters, no base, no house, no office or palace, not even a tent. The only physical presence of his Kingdom is in his person—his body. He’s making a statement about the nature of his Kingdom. He’s warning the scribe that following him is going to be different, and more difficult, than anything he may have imagined. It’s not going to be a revolution like the Zealots vs. the Romans. It's an incarnation.

What does “Son of Man” mean? Why does Jesus call himself that here?

The disciple makes a plea: “I want to commit to following you but I have to bury my father first.” Jesus’ response is shocking: “Follow me! Let the dead take care of themselves.” Can you just imagine hearing Jesus say this to you in front of a crowd? No time off for a loved one’s funeral. Forget that “honor your father and mother” command. What anyone might say about your character, honor, or reputation is irrelevant. Make your choice. Now. It’s like a slap in the face.

Jesus discourages the scribe and radically challenges the other disciple. I guess his responses are tailored to each man’s situation/personality. The end result is the same. Both men are asked to examine their commitment to Jesus. Will the scribe follow even though it will be different than expected and difficult? Will the other disciple follow even though it may destroy his family and break his heart? Jesus warned us that following him would be a death sentence (Matthew 16:24-26). Who would sign up for that!?

APPLICATION
In this passage, the arrival of the Kingdom of Heaven is marked by healing and God’s power over evil, not political revolution or world domination. It is God becoming human, living among us, putting things right, staying out of the limelight. We're called to do the same.

The Kingdom still appears in the Holy Spirit living in us. We are now the Body of Christ in the world. It is both our present reality and our future hope: “Look! God’s dwelling is here with humankind. He will dwell with them, and they will be his peoples. God himself will be with them as their God.” Revelation 8:3

In this Kingdom, Jesus demands to be first. King of All. Nothing and no one is more important. It will hurt to jump into the boat and follow him. The price tag is Everything We Are and Have: Our relationships, our fears, our hopes and dreams and grief. Our autonomy. Our favorite indulgences, Our bank accounts. Our reputation. Our brokenness and sickness. He asks us to let it all go and follow him. He’s the One who gives healing and wholeness. He is asking us to go with him to the other side of life, to unimaginable adventure and sacrifice. Will we say “Yes”?  

PRAYER
Oh, Father! I hear you asking me to follow you. Give me the grace and strength I need to say “Yes!” to you today and in all my tomorrows. Help me let go of the things I love, the people I love, and my broken self that I want to own. Help me remember that you love me more than I can ever imagine. Thank you for your promise that you will never abandon me. Thank you for your Holy Spirit present with me and your family, the church. Thank you for your promise of healing and wholeness in your Kingdom. Thank you for being the one who will wipe away all our tears in your Kingdom to come. In the strong name of your Son Jesus! Make it so.