Biblical Studies

The Gospel of Matthew: Themes of Discipleship and the Cost of Following Jesus

The Gospel of Matthew, one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament, presents a comprehensive account of the life, teachings, and ministry of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes themes such as discipleship, the kingdom of heaven, and the cost of following Jesus. Throughout the gospel, Jesus calls individuals to follow him and presents the challenges and sacrifices that come with being his disciple.

Matthew’s gospel begins with the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus outlines the qualities and responsibilities of his disciples. He calls them to be salt and light in the world, to love their enemies, and to strive for righteousness. These teachings set the stage for the deeper exploration of discipleship and the cost of following Jesus, which is further elucidated in Matthew 8:18-22.

Matthew 8:18-22: An Analysis of the Verses

Now, let us delve into the specific verses of Matthew 8:18-22 and examine the interactions between Jesus and his disciples:

Verse 18

In verse 18, we encounter a scribe who approaches Jesus, expressing his desire to follow him wherever he goes. This scribe may have been drawn to Jesus’ teachings and miracles, recognizing him as a teacher worth following. However, Jesus responds by saying, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

Jesus’ response highlights the transient nature of his ministry. He is not establishing an earthly kingdom or seeking comfort and security. Rather, he is on a mission to proclaim the kingdom of heaven and fulfill God’s plan of salvation. By emphasizing his lack of a permanent dwelling, Jesus challenges the scribe’s expectation of stability and material comfort in discipleship.

Verse 19

The following verse introduces another potential disciple who approaches Jesus and says, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” Jesus responds, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

This response may initially seem harsh and insensitive, as honoring one’s parents and participating in burial rituals were deeply ingrained cultural and religious practices during that time. However, Jesus’ words carry a deeper meaning. He is not dismissing the importance of family or disregarding the responsibility to honor parents. Instead, he is highlighting the urgency and priority of his mission.

Jesus is calling this individual to prioritize the proclamation of the kingdom of heaven over personal familial obligations. The phrase “let the dead bury their own dead” suggests that those who are spiritually dead can attend to worldly matters, while the spiritually alive are called to follow Jesus and participate in his redemptive work.

Verse 20

In verse 20, another disciple comes to Jesus, declaring, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus responds, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

This response echoes Jesus’ previous statement to the scribe in verse 18. By reiterating his lack of a permanent dwelling, Jesus emphasizes the sacrifices and challenges that come with discipleship. Following Jesus means embracing a life of uncertainty, renouncing worldly comforts, and being willing to endure hardships.

The Historical and Cultural Context

Understanding the historical and cultural context of the time sheds light on the intended meaning of Matthew 8:18-22. During Jesus’ ministry, there was a prevalent expectation of a Messiah who would establish an earthly kingdom and liberate the Jewish people from Roman oppression. Many individuals may have been drawn to Jesus with such expectations, seeking personal gain or security in following him.

Jesus challenges these expectations by emphasizing the spiritual nature of his mission and the cost of discipleship. His teachings often confront societal norms and values, calling individuals to prioritize the kingdom of heaven above all else. By highlighting the transient nature of his ministry and the sacrifices involved, Jesus tests the sincerity and commitment of those who desire to follow him.

The Deeper Implications and Spiritual Lessons

Matthew 8:18-22 conveys several profound spiritual lessons and teachings:

The Cost of Discipleship

Jesus’ responses to the scribe and the two potential disciples emphasize the cost of discipleship. Following Jesus requires a willingness to let go of worldly comforts, embrace uncertainty, and prioritize the proclamation of the kingdom of heaven above personal obligations. This passage challenges individuals to reflect on their own commitment to discipleship and consider the sacrifices they are willing to make.

The Primacy of the Kingdom of Heaven

By prioritizing the proclamation of the kingdom of heaven over familial and worldly obligations, Jesus underscores the primacy of God’s kingdom. This teaching urges individuals to align their lives with the values and priorities of the kingdom, recognizing that the pursuit of worldly comfort and security can hinder their spiritual growth and impact on the world.

The Urgency of Following Jesus

Jesus’ response to the disciple who wants to bury his father highlights the urgency of following him. The call to discipleship is not something to be delayed or postponed; it demands immediate action and wholehearted commitment. This passage encourages individuals to examine their own priorities and consider whether they are truly living in alignment with God’s will.

Conclusion

Matthew 8:18-22 serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges and sacrifices involved in discipleship. Jesus’ responses to the scribe and the potential disciples highlight the cost of following him and the primacy of the kingdom of heaven. By emphasizing the transient nature of his ministry and calling individuals to prioritize his mission, Jesus tests the sincerity and commitment of those who desire to be his disciples.

Understanding the historical and cultural context of the time helps illuminate the intended meaning of these verses. Jesus’ teachings often challenge societal norms and values, calling individuals to let go of worldly comforts and embrace a life of uncertainty for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.

As readers and followers of Jesus today, we are invited to reflect on our own commitment to discipleship and consider the sacrifices we are willing to make. Matthew 8:18-22 serves as a profound reminder of the transformative power of following Jesus and the eternal significance of participating in his redemptive work.