“Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”
Following Jesus comes with a cost. It requires us to give up some things. It requires sacrifice.
This sacrifice often comes in the form of giving up our sense of security. It also requires that we set following Jesus above all social obligations of what is proper or viewed as right in our context. Is it wise to walk a path where nothing in this world is guaranteed? Is it good to leave relationships with friends and family? These are the questions that Jesus needs us to answer before following Him.*
Jesus welcomes followers and the masses everywhere He goes, but He requires a certain level of commitment from disciples who would follow Him and walk in His footsteps. He requires this of you and me.
Being a disciple of Jesus, the one who heals, frees, teaches, and challenges, might prove interesting, but it is not comfortable.
Just as much as Jesus intends “follow me” to serve as an initial invitation to walk with Him, it remains as an ongoing invitation that says, “keep following me.”*
The cost of discipleship in the life of my wife and I seems higher than ever before. To be a disciple of Jesus in the comfortable confines of a place that is familiar is a gift to our flesh and a welcome respite for a season. Eventually, however, Jesus goes somewhere difficult, unknown, and distant and says, “keep following me.”
Today, take a step.
Maybe today the one step God wants you to take is to follow Him. Perhaps you have listened to His teaching, you have seen His miracles and heard His wisdom, but you have yet to say “yes” to following Him. Maybe today He would have you step out into an uncomfortable place, and He’s waiting for your “yes” to that too.
Whatever the step, ask God to direct it. Take a moment to take that step. Invite Him to speak. He will.
Life is a long road. Walk it with Jesus. Take a step today… just one is fine.
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*Leon, Morris, The Gospel According to Matthew. Pillar New Testament Commentary (Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1992), 199-203, and Keener, C. S., Matthew (Vol. 1, Mt 8:18-22) (InterVarsity Press, 1997).