Universal Utterings®
for July 1, 2024

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07-01-2024 Matthew 8 V-1922 The Cost of Following Jesus

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The Book of Matthew 8 v- 19 thru 22

19 A scribe approached and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”20 Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” 21 Another of [his] disciples said to him, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” 22 But Jesus answered him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.”

Matthew 8:19-22 is a powerful passage that highlights the demands and challenges of true discipleship. In these verses, we encounter two individuals who express a desire to follow Jesus, but Jesus responds in a way that underscores the cost of such a commitment.

The first individual is a scribe, a person well-versed in the Jewish law. He approaches Jesus with enthusiasm, declaring, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go" (Matthew 8:19). At first glance, this seems like a commendable commitment. However, Jesus’ response reveals a deeper truth about the nature of discipleship. Jesus replies, "Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head" (Matthew 8:20).

This statement serves as a sobering reminder that following Jesus is not a path to earthly comfort or security. Unlike foxes and birds, Jesus has no permanent home or place of rest. He is constantly on the move, and those who choose to follow Him must be prepared for a life of uncertainty and sacrifice.

The second individual is described as "another disciple" who says to Jesus, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father" (Matthew 8:21). On the surface, this request seems reasonable and even honorable, as burying one’s father was a significant duty in Jewish culture. However, Jesus’ reply is startling: "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead" (Matthew 8:22). This response is not a dismissal of family responsibilities but rather a profound statement about the urgency and priority of the Kingdom of God. Jesus is emphasizing that the call to follow Him supersedes all other obligations, even those as important as family duties. In essence, He is calling for a radical realignment of priorities, where allegiance to Him takes precedence over all else.

Together, these verses challenge readers to reflect on the true cost of discipleship. They remind us that following Jesus is not a decision to be taken lightly. It requires a willingness to forsake comfort, security, and even traditional social obligations. The path of discipleship is marked by sacrifice, uncertainty, and a single-minded focus on the mission of Christ.

In a contemporary context, these verses prompt believers to examine their own commitments and priorities. Are we willing to follow Jesus wherever He leads, even if it means leaving behind our comfort zones? Are we prepared to place His call above all other demands in our lives? The cost of following Jesus prepares us for the Kingdom of God. Are you ready to surrender to this type of life; A life of Christ? Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

Practice. Pray. Proclaim. ®
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20

07-01-2024 Matthew 8 v-1922

**The Cost of Following Jesus**

A scribe approached with fervent plea,

"I'll follow you wherever you'll be."

But Jesus, wise, did gently say,

The cost of surrendering to Him each day

"The foxes have their dens to lie,

The birds their nests in branches high,

Yet I, the Son, no place to cry."

A second soul, with heart sincere,

Expressed a wish, both deep and clear,

"Lord, let me first attend my kin,

Then follow you through thick and thin."

But Jesus spoke with voice so true,

"Let the dead their dead pursue,

You, come and walk the path divine,

For life and light with me entwine."

Thus, two were called to understand,

The cost to tread on holy land. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

July 1, 2024 @ 04:22 AM EST

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