Slices
Prepare
Reflect on aspects of God’s love and character most important to your daily life. Express your gratefulness to him in a simple prayer.
Bible passage
Jesus heals many
14 When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. 15 He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.
16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all who were ill. 17 This was to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
‘He took up our infirmities
and bore our diseases.’
The cost of following Jesus
18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. 19 Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, ‘Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.’
20 Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere 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.’
Explore
Having seen Jesus in action (vs 14–16), there are already those wanting to follow him. Jesus’ words are unexpectedly ones of caution (vs 20,22). He knows the way ahead will not be easy. The teacher of the Law (v 19) seems excited. But Jesus’ answer is blunt (v 20). God’s mission, with its demands, must take priority over everything, including home and rest. Jesus asks that people consider the cost of following him.
When something difficult occurs, some people feel deserted by God. God has never promised a joy ride for our faith. In fact, this passage is a clear warning of hardship (v 20) in being a disciple.
Jesus’ answer to his disciple’s reference to bury his father (v 22) is designed to shock and create a stir in the Jewish community. It refutes the most important responsibility in Jewish society: that a son prioritise being present to organise his father’s funeral. Jesus’ response reminds them that time is running short, because the kingdom is coming. The decision to follow God is their most important decision and should not be put off. Ultimately these verses are all about the imperative to put God first.
I think I have many innocent-seeming reasons for not attending to my relationship with Jesus. What about you?
Respond
Decide now to prioritise conversation with God. Revise your prayer schedule for worship and gratitude to God, for time to ask and time to listen.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Numbers 10,11; Acts 17
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray that Mission Enabler Lisa Jones will know God’s guidance as she seeks to support more churches in Kent, providing new ideas for reaching children and young people in the community. Pray too for wisdom as she plans an activity day in the summer for children from Faith Guide groups.
