What obstacles might prevent us from fully following Jesus as instructed here? Setting the Scene “ But Jesus told him, ‘Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.’ ” (Matthew 8:22) Why This Hits Home Jesus’ command slices through every competing allegiance. Anything that delays obedience—no matter how reasonable it seems—becomes an obstacle to wholehearted discipleship. Key Obstacles Highlighted by the Passage • Family expectations: Noble duties (burying a father) can still conflict with the supreme call of Christ. • Cultural pressure: Social norms often demand our conformity, tugging us to fit in rather than step out. • Timing excuses: “Later” obedience is disobedience in disguise. Broader Biblical Obstacles • Divided affections (Matthew 10:37; Luke 14:26–27) • Material security (Mark 10:17–22; Matthew 6:19–21) • Comfort & routine (Amos 6:1; Luke 9:61–62) • Fear of the unknown (Genesis 12:1; Hebrews 11:8) • Peer approval (John 12:42–43) • Sin not yet surrendered (Hebrews 12:1) • Spiritual lethargy (Revelation 3:15–16) Obstacle Breakdown Family & Social Ties – Honoring parents is biblical (Exodus 20:12), yet not above obeying Christ. – Tension arises when loved ones resist or misunderstand our commitment. Material Possessions – Wealth offers false security; Jesus calls for treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:33). – Rich young ruler’s sorrow shows how possessions grip the heart (Mark 10:22). Fear & Uncertainty – Leaving what is known can feel risky. Abraham’s example shows faith steps first, clarity follows (Hebrews 11:8). Comfort & Complacency – Settled routines lull us into spiritual sleep (Amos 6:1). – “Foxes have dens… yet the Son of Man has no place to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20), reminding us discipleship costs convenience. Sin & Spiritual Drift – Unconfessed sin entangles (Hebrews 12:1). – Lukewarm faith breeds half-hearted obedience (Revelation 3:16). Putting Obedience Into Action • Identify any duty, habit, or possession delaying your “Yes” to Jesus. • Re-align priorities daily: Word first (Psalm 119:105), kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). • Invite accountability—trusted believers encourage swift obedience (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Practice open-handed living: regular generosity loosens material grip (2 Corinthians 9:6–8). • Step out promptly when prompted; delay strengthens doubt (James 1:22). Encouraging Snapshots of Radical Obedience • Elisha burning his plow (1 Kings 19:19–21) • Peter, Andrew, James, John leaving nets immediately (Matthew 4:18–22) • Matthew the tax collector rising from his booth (Matthew 9:9) • Paul counting all things loss for Christ (Philippians 3:7–8) Closing Reflection Every obstacle—no matter how legitimate it appears—shrinks before the surpassing worth of knowing and following Jesus. By God’s grace, deliberate surrender turns potential roadblocks into stepping-stones toward deeper intimacy with Him. |
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