A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Matthew 8:18-22 “When Jesus saw the crowd around him, He gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. Then a teacher of the law came to Him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” Another disciple said to Him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus told him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” 

Once again Jesus is approached with a request. Two different men came to Him asking that He would permit them to become a disciple of His. The first said he would go wherever Jesus went. The second was equally committed with one exception, first he wanted Jesus’ permission to bury his father.   

Jesus’ answer to the requests of these two men do not seem to make sense. His first answer appears to say to the man wanting to be his disciple that he needed to know following Jesus meant he would have no permanent earthly home. Jesus’ answer to the second man is even more troubling. How in the world can the dead bury other dead people? 

The first man, a Scribe, did not recognize who Jesus truly was. Note, he addressed Him as “teacher,” not as “Lord.” Secondly, the Scribe asked what “he” must do to become Jesus’ disciple not recognizing that it was Jesus who invited men to follow Him. Jesus’ answer to him simply said, to follow Him meant surrendering all guarantees of comfort and a stable existence. Even foxes and birds have places to rest. Jesus has in mind His eventual sacrificial death on the cross.   

The second man wanted to become Jesus’ disciple, but on his terms. “First let me bury my father. . .” However, Jesus had already taught in Matthew 6, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness . . .” In other words, which relationship is of most importance in this man’s life. A true disciple’s allegiance is always primary.   

Jeffrey Gibbs, in his Matthew commentary reminds you, a Lutheran Christian, that at your confirmation you were asked about your priorities in regard to living your life as a disciple of Jesus. He quoted from the Rite of Confirmation the questions your pastor asked you:   

Do you renounce the devil and all his works and all his ways?  Do you intend to continue steadfast in this confession and Church and to suffer all, even death, rather than fall away from it? 

Then you answered: “I do so intend with the help of God.” 

Prayer: Lord, keep me faithful to my confirmation promise. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Draw us to Thee, For then shall we Walk in Thy steps forever  And hasten on Where Thou art gone To be with Thee, dear Savior. 

Draw us to Thee, Lord, lovingly; Let us depart with gladness  That we may be Forever free From sorrow, grief, and sadness. 

Draw us to Thee; O grant that we May walk the road to heaven!  Direct our way Lest we should stray And from Thy paths be driven. 

Draw us to Thee That also we Thy heav’nly bliss inherit  And ever dwell Where sin and hell No more can vex our spirit. 

Draw us to Thee Unceasingly, Into Thy kingdom take us;  Let us fore’er Thy glory share, Thy saints and joint heirs make us.  (LSB 701)