March 4

Text: Matthew 8:20

And Jesus *said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." (NASB)

A son, aged 5, asks for a pony for Christmas.  Though he thinks he does, he actually has no way of grasping what he is requesting.  A daughter, age 3, asks for a TV in her bedroom for her birthday.  She has no way of understanding that her request involves much more than purchasing a TV.  An adult prays to God for a specific solution to a specific problem.  Often he or she has no idea about all that would happen if the request were granted.

A scribe told Jesus that he would follow him anywhere.  Jesus reaction was more than curious both in what he did and did not say.  He responded, “You do not realize what you are saying.”

If we listened to many Christians today, we might get this impression.  “Hurrah!  Gather around, disciples!  Scribe Charlie has decided to be a part of us.  He will bring great respectability to our movement—the Sadducees have their scribes, the Pharisees have theirs, and now we have ours.  At last

we can do what others do!  We will put him in charge of documents—we are really on our way now!”

What this scribe expected is unknown.  Our only clue is Jesus’ response.  Perhaps the scribe thought this was the way to an easier life filled with opportunity.  Whatever the scribe thought, Jesus was not impressed with his focus or level of commitment.

Does Jesus want everyone to follow him?  Yes!  Consider 1 Timothy 2:3, 4.  Can people have little idea about the commitment they are making?  Yes!  Consider 2 Peter 2:20-22.

Serious commitments require an understanding mind.

Suggestion for reflection: Consider your commitment to Jesus.  (Read Luke 14:25-35.)