AN ENTHUSIASTIC, BUT IRRATIONAL DECISION (Pastor Tom Henry) ~ 2/11/25

“And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Matthew 8:19)

Have you ever made a purchase that you later regretted after realizing that the thing purchased was not exactly what you had imagined. Or perhaps you have entered into an agreement only afterward to learn that certain strings were attached which changed everything. This scribe very enthusiastically made a commitment to Christ apparently based on either incomplete information, or his own misunderstanding of what becoming a follower of Christ would entail. He had witnessed many of Christ’s healing miracles, and he heard talk of His coming Kingdom, and this was all very appealing. He could see himself having a prominent place in this Man’s Kingdom. But he did not understand the nature of Christ’s Kingdom, nor had he any knowledge of the cost involved in becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Sometimes in our disappointing purchase and misguided commitment we fall prey to false advertising and misrepresentation. Such is not the case here. Jesus had made clear that to become His follower would involve sacrifices and crosses. (Luke 14:26, 27) This man was self-deceived. He wanted the benefits of discipleship without the cost. Sadly, many who profess faith in Christ have been deceived. The Gospel is preached in such a manner that emphasizes the benefits but ignores the cost of salvation. Thus, many professing Christians are happy to lay claim to a home in heaven who have not forsaken this present evil world.

Here is something to remember. Jesus said to this enthusiastic person, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nest; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head.” This, then, is what true followers of Christ must expect. They must expect to fare like their Lord. “If they have persecuted Me, they will persecute you.” “If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of the household.

This scribe came to Christ exactly as one who is serious about becoming a disciple of Christ should come. We find no fault with his attitude or manner. We recommend that all who seek the Lord come exactly as he did. He was very respectful. He addressed Jesus as “Master.” “Master, I will fallow thee whithersoever Thou goest.” It was not flippant, and it was most reverent. He looked up to this great Miracle-worker, who had healed the sick in the streets on that long evening and called Him “Master.” Jesus, on another occasion, said, “Ye call me Master and Lord, and ye say well, for so I am.” This attitude we admire; we would that all men should recognize that our Savior is no common person, but One deserving of the highest reverence.

We also admire his enthusiasm. It seems that he came with speed and was very ready to follow the Lord without reservation. We don’t know if someone was urging him, or if he came of his own accord, having been drawn by his own impression of Christ. Whatever compelled him to come, in addition to his show of reverence and enthusiasm, he was very resolute. “Master, I will follow thee withersoever thou goest.” There was no reservation with him, and this is all very good.

Hearing these things is very hopeful, and the best we can say is that his utterance was very right. He expresses everything that one who would follow Christ ought to feel. Nevertheless, HE was not right - his utterance was right, but he was not right! The Lord Jesus does not want any but real followers. He cannot use those who, after receiving a more thorough understanding of what following Him means, will turn back. Let us, therefore, knowing what it means, say from the depths of our hearts, “Master, I will follow thee, withersoever thou goest.”