Ian Barclay's Thought For The Day

A CHRISTIAN LOOKS AT MATTHEW’S GOSPEL
We mustn’t have any delusions about discipleship
Reading: Matthew 8:14-22 Click to view passage

This third miracle is important because it shows that ministry is not just for big public occasions, it can also be exercised in a small, private, gathering such as a friend’s home.

We have two volunteers who want to follow Jesus but they haven’t looked at the cost of discipleship. The first volunteer makes an emotional response, his heart is already there with Jesus but he hasn’t worked out the practicalities. He hasn’t seen it can be demanding and lonely, even the security experienced by birds and animals may not be his. The second volunteer is happy to follow Jesus once he has fulfilled his family obligations but Jesus insists on discipleship without any delay.

Meditation: Am I totally committed to Jesus whatever it costs?

Prayer pointer: Help me to fully the cost of following Jesus.