Call to discipleship (mathew 8;18-27)

Welcome, JSS 2 students, to today's lesson on the Call to Discipleship, as recorded in Matthew 8:18-27. In this passage, we see Jesus calling individuals to follow Him and become His disciples. Let's dive into the narrative and explore the demands of discipleship.

The Call to Discipleship

In Matthew 8:18-22, we read about a scribe who approaches Jesus, saying, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus responds by saying, "Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." This statement highlights the challenges and uncertainties of following Jesus.

Another individual, one of Jesus' disciples, asks to bury his father before following Jesus. However, Jesus says, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead." This response may seem harsh, but it emphasizes the priority of following Jesus above all else.

The Demands of Discipleship

From this passage, we can identify several demands of discipleship:

1. Total Commitment: Jesus requires His disciples to be fully committed to Him, leaving behind their old lives and priorities.
2. Sacrifice: Discipleship involves sacrifice, as seen in Jesus' statement about having "no place to lay his head." Disciples must be willing to give up their comfort and security for the sake of following Jesus.
3. Prioritizing Jesus: Jesus must be the top priority in a disciple's life, above family, friends, and personal interests.
4. Obedience: Disciples are called to obey Jesus' teachings and commands, even when they are challenging or difficult.
5. Faith: Discipleship requires faith, trusting in Jesus and His promises, even when the journey ahead is uncertain.

Reflection and Application

As we reflect on the call to discipleship and its demands, we must ask ourselves:

• Am I willing to make Jesus my top priority, above all else?
• Am I prepared to sacrifice my comfort and security for the sake of following Jesus?
• Do I trust in Jesus' teachings and promises, even when the journey ahead is uncertain?

As Christians, we are called to be disciples of Jesus, and this passage reminds us of the importance of total commitment, sacrifice, prioritizing Jesus, obedience, and faith. Let us strive to live out these demands of discipleship in our daily lives, following Jesus wherever He leads us.

Assessment

To reinforce your understanding of this lesson, please answer the following questions:

1. What did the scribe say to Jesus in Matthew 8:19?
2. How did Jesus respond to the scribe's statement?
3. What are the demands of discipleship, according to Matthew 8:18-27?

Note: These questions will help you assess your understanding of the lesson and provide a starting point for further discussion and reflection.