Matthew maintains a distinction between the crowd of those who were interested but uncommitted and the disciples, whose personal commitment to Jesus had to take priority. I pray we are not just in the crowd…

Matthew 8:18-22

18 Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. 19 And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” 20 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 21 Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 22 And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What does the scribe promise to do?

+ What do you think about his promise?

+ What reason did the other disciple give for not being ready to follow Jesus?

+ What do you make of Jesus’ response to these “would be” followers”

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?