Matthew 8:18-22
And when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave a command to depart to the other side. Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” 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.” Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”
If you didn’t know Jesus, after reading this scripture you might think he doesn’t want too many people following him. And it’s not just this scripture. There are several others scriptures where he makes difficult proposals to would-be followers. On one occasion he challenged a wealthy young man to give up all his riches to come follow his ragtag band of nomads. Certainly not the most appealing offer.
But all throughout his ministry there were these twelve guys that seemed to be a constant in his life. On the surface they were as different as night and day. They had various occupations, interest, personalities and personal pursuits. But study them closely and you’ll find there was an essential element they all possessed. When Jesus called upon them to follow, they dropped everything, and immediately came with him.
As we study the life and ministry of Christ, we undoubtedly have to include his selection of disciples. Why was it important for them to be ready in an instant to follow him? What made it imperative for them to be ready to leave everything and everyone to go to unknown locations? Why were these particular characteristics imperative to Jesus? And though this line of questioning is rhetorical in nature, there are some clues that are important to note.
Jesus was on a mission. He had an urgent assignment. Because he knew what he had to do, he also knew the kind of folk that would be required to get the job done. Knowing his time was short, Jesus didn’t have time to babysit fearful skeptics. He wouldn’t have the time to undue the cords of cultural influence, or chains of family obligation that have an enormous stronghold on so many of us. He had three short years to move from obscurity, to popularity, to infamy, to Glory! The wrong folk would’ve just slowed him down - jeopardizing the entire operation. He carefully chose exactly who he needed, and ended up with the exact results he expected.
As we earnestly consider what it means to be like Christ, one of our most powerful decisions is who we associate with. The world system locks us up in groupings and associations that often limit our purpose. Think about how much time we spend with coworkers. Often we develop relationships and friendships that we ordinarily wouldn’t even think to have. We spend time with some toxic family members that aren’t always in our best interest too. I’m just saying! But how much time do we spend with folk that help advance our purpose?
Say what you will, but Jesus was all about purpose. He didn’t have the luxury of stumbling and bumbling into his destiny. Salvation for humanity was too important for him to get distracted. He needed folk in his life that felt the same urgency as he did. He needed ‘birds of a feather’. You know what? So do we. I know I do.
People of God, life has too many distractions, disappointment, stumbling blocks and haters to think you can overcome them all alone. In you there are dreams, visions, solutions, strategies and answers to countless problems, concerns and challenges. But you need a team that matches your intensity and purpose to really bring them out. We all need some birds flying the same direction we are. They may be family. They may not be family. They may go to your church. They may not. They may be in your life now, or they may be on their way. But in any event, seek the Lord for people that add to your journey instead of taking you dangerously off course. Birds of a feather.
God bless
