In today’s Gospel, a scribe approached Jesus. Often, when a scribe is mentioned in the Gospels, one can expect a conflict. This time though, it appears that this scribe has not come to challenge Jesus, but has a sincere interest in following him and becoming one of his disciples because he said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go” (Mt 8:19). Just as Jesus responded to the rich man who sought what he must do to enter the kingdom of God, so he noticed something in this man that may have been missing. Maybe his request was a bit naive about the cost of following Jesus, about the true cost of discipleship with him. Jesus challenged the scribe, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head” (Mt 8:20).
The life of the scribe was generally very sedentary and stable. They, more than likely, would have sought urban areas where they could have access to more opportunities to practice their writing craft such as the recording of the collection of taxes, the recording of royal decisions and decrees, secretarial roles in government, as well as seek opportunities to be legal scholars of the Torah. Some scribes could rise to high levels influencing kings or sitting on the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high council in the capital city of Jerusalem.
The public ministry of Jesus was that of an itinerant preacher. For the remainder of his life he would not be staying in one place for long. If the scribe truly wanted to follow Jesus he would need to give up his present lifestyle and be willing to go on the road.
Jesus also challenged all those in the “crowd… to cross to the other side” (Mt 8:18). This other side would be Gentile territory. Those who were just following Jesus out of curiosity, would not go any further. There is no response from them or the scribe to Jesus’ invitation. This is well and good because it gives us the opportunity to answer the question for ourselves. How would we respond? Where do we place our security? Do we place our security in our job, home, trade, vocation, or career choice? Those pursuing college degrees, are you being led by Jesus or the pursuit of power, pleasure, wealth, and/or honor?
Jesus even upped the challenge to the one who wanted to go and bury his father. Jesus said without hesitation, “Follow me, and let the dead bury the dead” (Mt. 8:22). Jesus “summons his followers to be set apart in a radical way to serve God’s kingdom” (Mitch and Sri, 130). Even our family cannot be first before God. Our lives will be more balanced and fulfilling when we let go of our white-knuckled grip of those material realities that we cling to for security and safety.
St. Mother Teresa sought to be a pencil in God’s hand. To be free enough to hear the invitation and call of Jesus and to follow wherever he leads. When we follow Jesus with that same kind of faith, we need not be afraid. He will give us just enough light to follow two steps ahead. When we take each step, he will then give us a little more light. Step by step, as we trust Jesus and walk with him, he will give us the strength and guidance to accomplish what his Father would have us do. Let us begin to “cross to the other side” (Mt. 8:18) by persevering in meditation and prayer, drawing strength from the love of the Holy Spirit, and trusting in the guidance of Jesus.
Photo: A quiet moment as an afternoon storm builds up.
Mitch, Curtis, and Sri, Edward. The Gospel of Matthew. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2010.
Spiritual Stepping Stones 