Word is spreading. People are coming from everywhere. They want to see this phenomenal new Teacher and Wonder-Worker!
In the pressing crowd there is at least one other man who recognizes the opportunity of a lifetime. He says to Jesus - Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.
In the language of the day, this man is putting in his application for enrollment in Jesus’ School. He’s actually saying, – Teacher, I want to become your personal student!
In those days students didn’t go to a school building to meet their teachers for a few hours. Instead, they applied to follow one particular rabbi.
If accepted, students left their families to live with the teacher. Then, the students literally followed the teacher everywhere he went. Class was always in session because the teacher was always present.
It’s interesting how Jesus responds to this man’s request for enrollment. He tells him not to expect the usual comfortable accommodations.
Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no
place to lay his head.
A student must endure extra hardship to study with this traveling Rabbi. In Jesus’ School, the classroom will be mobile. Ditto for today!
So, when we read that Jesus calls us to Follow Him, we should understand the Teacher is inviting us to become His students too.
If we decide to enroll, we travel along with Him. We learn to be conscious of His presence. Gradually, we change to become more like Him.
Have you enrolled in the University of Jesus?
It seems Jesus is telling us about the large cost of following him (denial of self) and then shows the incredible power he can have in our lives (calming the storm) if we choose to follow.
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff... keep telling the "Old, Old Story of Jesus and His Love."
ReplyDeleteWhat was the reaction of those who had offered to follow? When Jesus says, “the son of man has no place to lay his head” and “Let the dead bury their own dead.” Were they offended? Shocked? Amazed? We aren’t told, though I doubt it sat well with them.
ReplyDeleteWe do know the reaction of the disciples – after Jesus calmed the storm – bewilderment mixed with amazement: “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and waves obey him!”
When was the last time you were challenged by Jeuss’ words? When was the last time you were amazed by his teachings? Follow him, listen to him, watch him, and you will be challenged and amazed!
Maybe “What kind of man is this?” is a question we should ask and investigate more often.