Where You Go, I Will Go
Opening Prayer
You are the desire of nations and of my heart. Help me see nothing is worth holding if it comes between me and You.
Read Matthew 8:14-22
[14] When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. [15] He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him. [16] When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. [17] This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.” [18] When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. [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 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, and let the dead bury their own dead.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What challenge is Jesus posing?Who is Jesus? That is the question that the writer of this Gospel is trying to answer. He wanted his readers to understand that Jesus’ healings (15-17) were evidence that Jesus was God’s servant king described by the Old Testament prophet Isaiah (17; Isa. 53:4). Of course, once we understand who Jesus is, we are faced with a decision: Will we submit to this king or not? Are we “gung ho” (19) or reticent (21) about following Jesus? The “gung ho” teacher of the law (19), aware of Old Testament prophecies, may have been anticipating a triumphant Messiah. Jesus delivers a reality check (20). If Jesus left the glory of heaven for an itinerant life on earth, then his followers should look for security, not in the places they live or in the families or friends they live with, but in Christ alone. Following Jesus is not a one-time decision either. It is a daily choice. Jesus’ words to the follower who is dragging his feet (21) may appear harsh, but his meaning is clear: If you want life in its fullness, don’t be distracted; keep following the author of life.
Apply
Look at your own priorities. Consider what is keeping you from total obedience.
Closing prayer
Lord, the very best thing in this world becomes my enemy if it is a distraction that takes my focus from You.
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