The Lord Jesus we follow declares that He has no place on this earth, unlike foxes that have holes and birds that have nests. This statement does not mean that the Lord Jesus is poor, destitute, or dishonored. The world is not His home. The world is a field of ministry and a temporary stopping place, not a “place” or “home” to inhabit—even merely to lay one’s head. We follow the Lord Jesus not to obtain various worldly provisions. Our following does not promise the fulfillment of bodily needs. However, this does not mean we must become poor, deprived, parasitic, or disruptive to others’ lives. God certainly cares for us, protects us, and provides for our needs responsibly.
If we pay attention to the scribe’s and the disciple’s call to the Lord Jesus, we will find something fundamental. In Matthew 8:19, the scribe addresses the Lord Jesus as “Teacher.” Meanwhile, in verse 21, the disciple calls Him “Lord.” The scribe views himself as equal to the Lord Jesus—both authorities in matters of heaven. In contrast, the title “Lord” expresses recognition of a ruler to whom one must submit as a subordinate, that is, occupy a lower or servant position. This attitude is a good beginning in relating to God as the One supreme Ruler. The person is already a disciple of the Lord Jesus, as the text calls him a “disciple,” whereas the scribe has not reached that stage. Sadly, however, the disciple blocked his own opportunity to become a wholehearted follower. He was not all in. He still had other calculations and projects beyond what the Lord Jesus was doing.
The disciple asked permission to postpone following the Lord Jesus for reasons that sounded reasonable. But the Lord Jesus replied, “Let the dead bury their own dead.” Do not postpone or say “later” regarding anything that concerns our following of God, because that “later” may never come. There will always be another “later.” Following the Lord Jesus demands a decision now, not after all life’s affairs are finished. Life will always present new reasons to delay.
This teaching of the Lord Jesus does not tell us the scribe’s and the disciple’s final decision after hearing His answer. Did they continue to follow the Lord Jesus, or did they retreat after hearing His statement? This leaves both a lesson and a reflective question for believers today. Have we truly become His disciples? Are we genuine followers of Christ? The answer is in our present condition: are we still faithful disciples and followers of the Lord Jesus with the same early zeal, or has our diligence begun to slacken, and have we started thinking of quitting?
Ultimately, the commitment to be a disciple and follower of the Lord Jesus will be tested thoroughly—not to crush us, but to prove and strengthen the authenticity of a vow or pledge. Therefore, we need the help of the Holy Spirit, who provides ability, strength, and accompaniment so that our following of the Lord Jesus remains firm with a burning zeal for the Father’s kingdom in heaven. Do not let the word “later” become an excuse that continually delays obedience. When the Lord calls us to follow Him, we must act on that decision with faithful devotion today.