Behold the King: The Cost and Conclusion of Following Jesus

Matthew 8:18–22 KJV 1900

Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

Dedicated Relationship

Matthew often uses “teacher,” didaskale, to signify someone who is interested in Jesus’ teachings but has not commited to the fact that He is God.

The term is accurate but not adequate.

This shows a zeal from an eager scribe but not a full understanding of the Gospel mission requirements involved with signing up.

“I see you have some people persons in Peter and John, some that are good with accounting and administration (Matthew and Judas Iscariot), but with someone like me your judicial court would be complete.” “I will help you bring in the kingdom you keep talking about. Let’s get these Romans out of here.”

This is the first time Matthew uses the title Son of Man. Some have suggested that this title is referring to Jesus’ humanity and human ministry. But This title goes back to a Biblical reference of the eternal King in Daniel 7:13-14.

Daniel 7:13–14 KJV 1900

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

John 6:67–69 KJV 1900

Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

John 17:3 KJV 1900

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Jesus is not interested in having groupies, He is interested in changing people and letting that change be a testimony of Him. The leper, servant, woman were all individuals who realized that they could not give back to Him yet they are the ones Jesus touched.

Exalting Jesus in Matthew (Jesus Has Authority over Disciples)

“Nothing, in fact, has done more harm to Christianity than the practice of filling the ranks of Christ’s army with every volunteer who is willing to make a little profession” - J. C. Ryle, Matthew

Disturbed Rest

There have been two schools of thought when it comes to the disciple that asks for leave to burry his dad.

First is that this disciple is asking to go burry his already dead father and then spend the required seven day mourning period (shiv’ah) then meet back up with Jesus.

Second is that his father is about to die and this disciple is asking for leave from following Jesus till his father dies and the shiv’ah (seven day mourning period is over).

Doing this for your parents was considered part of keeping the fifth commandment.

Taking care of your family is a key part of Christian doctrine.

Paul states

1 Timothy 5:8 KJV 1900

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

The problem was not the fulfilling of a commandment, it was the extravagant interpretation of it.

Matthew 15:1–9 KJV 1900

Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

The first century Jew would immediately burry their dead according to the old test. and then fulfill the shiv’ah. But after this they would spend another 30 days in a less intense mourning period called the shloshim. The mourning period was not considered over until the body was completely decayed and then go into the tomb and collect the bones in a special chest (like a coffin). This could take up to a year.

The problem with dogmatically following man made doctrine is that you are not following Jesus. If the Bible does not dogmatically state something, who are we to make tradition our god?

Philippians 3:20 KJV 1900

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

When you are mourning the death of a loved one sometimes the best thing to do is rest.

Direct Response

Luke 9:60 KJV 1900

Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

The King of Eternity is first priority.

Luke 14:28–32 KJV 1900

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

Hebrews 12:1–2 KJV 1900

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Conclusion:

Following Jesus involves much more than a casual acceptance of Jesus’ authority. It is submitting to His grace, and doing so will lead us to putting Him first in all things.