Focus: 20 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 21 Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 22 But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”
Reflection:
I remember praying prayers of healing and trying to perform miracles back in middle school. After hearing and reading about some of these crazy things in the bible and at retreats, I really wanted to see them in person. Probably I wanted to see them as a sign and also maybe because I know it would've changed people's lives for the better. So after reading this passage, I imagine being in the crowd before Jesus and seeing the miracles being performed in front of me. After seeing that, how could one not be willing to follow Him?
From Jesus' reply in verse 22, I am reminded, though, of that cost and what it means to be a follower of Christ. For myself, and maybe some others too, the call of discipleship is a call to give Jesus our complete devotion. That is why these verses make me pause and remember. I remember in high school I said, "wait til I get to college, and I will give my all Lord" and then "wait til I get a job and I will give my all Lord.." and now "wait til I'm more stable and I will give my all Lord.."..
Prayer:
Dear God, may I see your goodness, and may that spur me to follow you. Help me recognize the things I put before you and find joy in putting You first. Prepare me to pay the cost so I can be an example of faith and hope in this world. In Jesus' name.
