In Matthew 8 we have three cases, one of purposing to follow the Lord, one of drawing back from so doing, and one of genuine discipleship.
Previously great multitudes had followed the Lord, attracted by His teaching and miracles. Now, after the curious throng had been dispersed, the Lord deals with the truer ones. In order to be a real follower, one had to leave the multitude and seek the Person he wished to follow.
Purposing to Follow
In the first case we read, “A certain scribe came, and said unto Him, Master, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest” (Matt. 8:1919And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. (Matthew 8:19)). These are bold and confident words, but how does the Lord answer him? He neither rejects his offer nor accepts him at once as His follower. Rather, in words of infinite wisdom, He replies in words that suit the scribe’s case. He reminds him that “the foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head” (vs. 20). The Lord wants followers and lovingly invites souls to follow Him, but at the same time He tells them what such discipleship costs.
So it is today. Can we take our place with One like this? Do we see such beauty in Him that we willingly share His rejection? There is a time coming when He will be manifested in glory, but for now we must be content to be identified with One who has been disowned by this world.
Drawing Back
In the next case, one comes to Him who was evidently already a follower of the Lord, for the Scripture calls him “another of His disciples.” He makes what seems to be a reasonable proposal: “Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father” (vs. 21). Why then does the Lord answer him, “Follow Me; and let the dead bury their dead” (vs. 22)? It was as though the man had said, “Lord, let me wait until my father is dead — till all that connects me to the earth is gone — and then I will follow Thee.” But everything binding us to this poor earth has been severed by the death of the Saviour. We are called to show to others that we belong to heaven.
The world all around us is dead in trespasses and sins, according to Ephesians 2:11And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (Ephesians 2:1). We were once so ourselves, but through grace we have been given life. We should not seek a place among the dead. Let us not think that the Lord Jesus was advocating the neglect of one’s parents. No, for He spoke strongly against this bad practice in another place. It is right to take care of our responsibilities relative to the things of this life, but with this man the Lord sensed more than merely a care for his father. Rather, it was a link with the world, an excuse for not giving the Lord the first place in his life. It is this that we must guard against and deal with in our lives.
Genuine Discipleship
Finally, the Lord leads the way into a ship and His disciples follow Him. This is true discipleship, for we must follow a divine Person — Christ, not our own inclinations. In following Him into the ship, they took upon themselves all the consequences of being with Him. We know well what happened. A great tempest arose. The ship was covered with the waves, but the Lord was asleep! In alarm His disciples wake Him and cry, “Lord, save us: we perish” (vs. 25). Then He, the Son of God, arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
Faithfulness to Christ will involve stormy waves and strong winds. We must remember that although He seems to be asleep, He is in the same ship with us! We are not left alone, and if we were to sink, He would sink! What security His presence gives us!
We see in this chapter the Lord presented as an Object to be followed and as Son of Man, subject to every hostile circumstance. Further, we see Him as Son of God, superior to all circumstances. How blessed for us to know Him in each of these characters! We see a Person to whom every influence in this world is opposed, and at the same time, One who has complete control over every circumstance. He calls us to follow Him. How are we responding to His call? May He be able to say to us in that day, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:2323His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (Matthew 25:23)).
E. V. G., adapted from
Things New and Old, Vol. 31