THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP

Passage: Matthew 8:14~22  

Key verse: 20


1. He took up our infirmities (14-17)

Jesus' healing work was very personal. Peter's mother-in-law was an example. He saw her in bed, suffering with a fever. He touched her hand and she was healed. She got up and served them. In the evening, many came who needed his help. He drove out evil spirits with a word and healed all the sick. Jesus' healing work reveals not only the power of the Messiah, but also the love of God for each person.

2. Two would-be disciples (18-22)

As Jesus prepared to leave the crowds to concentrate on training his disciples, a man volunteered to be a disciple. He was moved by Jesus' love and thought that being a disciple was meaningful and secure employment. Jesus told him that he could offer no worldly security (20). Jesus invited another man to follow him. This man had urgent business to do first (21). Jesus told him that following Jesus must be a disciple's first priority.


Prayer: Lord, I want to follow you, trusting you alone to be my security; help me to make following you my first priority.

One Word: Follow Jesus