Topical Bible: Care: Certain Persons Who Desired to Follow Jesus

◄ Care: Certain Persons Who Desired to Follow Jesus ►

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Throughout the Gospels, several individuals expressed a desire to follow Jesus, each encounter revealing profound insights into the nature of discipleship and the cost associated with it. These narratives underscore the importance of wholehearted commitment and the challenges that accompany the decision to follow Christ.

The Rich Young Ruler

One of the most notable accounts is that of the rich young ruler, found in Matthew 19:16-22, Mark 10:17-22, and Luke 18:18-23. This young man approached Jesus with a sincere question: "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Mark 10:17). Jesus, recognizing the man's adherence to the commandments, challenged him to sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. The young ruler's inability to part with his wealth revealed the depth of his attachment to material possessions, illustrating the principle that following Jesus requires prioritizing Him above all earthly treasures.

The Enthusiastic Scribe

In Matthew 8:19-20, a scribe approached Jesus with enthusiasm, declaring, "Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go" (Matthew 8:19). Jesus responded by highlighting the cost of discipleship, stating, "Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head" (Matthew 8:20). This encounter emphasizes the transient and sacrificial nature of following Christ, where comfort and security may be relinquished for the sake of the Gospel.

The Hesitant Disciple

Another individual, mentioned in Matthew 8:21-22 and Luke 9:59-60, expressed a desire to follow Jesus but requested to first bury his father. Jesus' response, "Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead" (Matthew 8:22), underscores the urgency and immediacy of the call to discipleship. This interaction highlights the necessity of prioritizing the Kingdom of God above familial obligations and societal expectations.

The Would-Be Followers

In Luke 9:57-62, two additional would-be followers are presented. One expressed a desire to follow Jesus but wanted to first bid farewell to his family. Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). This statement serves as a powerful reminder of the unwavering focus and dedication required in the journey of faith.

The Samaritan Woman

In John 4, the Samaritan woman at the well encountered Jesus and expressed a desire to receive the living water He offered. Her interaction with Jesus led to a transformative experience, resulting in her becoming a witness to her community. This account illustrates the inclusivity of Jesus' call and the life-changing impact of encountering Him.

These encounters collectively highlight the diverse responses to Jesus' invitation to follow Him. They reveal the challenges of discipleship, the necessity of prioritizing Christ above all else, and the transformative power of His call. Each narrative serves as a timeless reminder of the cost and commitment inherent in the decision to follow Jesus.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 9:21
For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 9:57-62
And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said to him, Lord, I will follow you wherever you go.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Institutions of Jesus.
... to his disciples, confiding to them the care of demonstrating ... communion, which is
not risked with persons of a ... that is to say, to render certain things lawful ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xviii institutions of jesus.htm

Letter of Julius to the Eusebians at Antioch.
... God, with such extreme earnestness and care, should be ... the ground; and all to constrain
certain persons to admit ... and that the Presbyters who desired to attend ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter ii letter of julius to.htm

The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil
... would have sought, but others were undesirable persons, from whom ... better off than
if they took care of themselves ... Certain of you have but a scant experience of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the statute of david for.htm

Mongrel Religion
... Persons are to be found, without a lantern and candle ... no heart for the love of Jesus,
no care for the ... work a kind of law"work upon certain consciences which ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/mongrel religion.htm

Vive Jesus. Preface.
... State, and on the other side some persons as yet ... at Annemasse close to Geneva, a
certain minister made ... render him some small thanksgiving for the care which he ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/vive jesus preface.htm

Faith and Regeneration
... Besides much care in the manner and spirit, he ... Certain persons have been obliged
to admit that the apostles ... any time, and you will see certain needles moving ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/faith and regeneration.htm

The Good Samaritan.
... them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him ... There is no respect of persons
with God. It is quite certain that there were benevolent priests and unkind ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xvii the good samaritan.htm

A Warning to Believers
... There is a certain class of persons who think that ... of the text we find that those
persons were noted ... your reward, and, therefore, you need not care what man's ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/a warning to believers.htm

Relation iii. Of Various Graces Granted to the Saint from the Year ...
... Especial care was to be had of the sick sisters; the ... did the Divinity fill my soul,
which in a certain sense had ... to me that I saw the Three Persons within my ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/relation iii of various graces.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... Who is he that he can certify these persons of God's ... I care nothing for your Gorham
case: I want a "Thus ... two letters "VR" at the top of certain mandates, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm