September 1, 2025 - Matthew 8

“When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him” (8:1).  Jesus had just preached an amazing sermon, and he was about to do some amazing miracles.  His teaching!  His compassion!  His power!  He heals a leper and the centurion’s servant and many others.  He speaks a word and calms a storm, he casts out demons.  It’s interesting to me, in the midst of all these amazing reports, that Matthew reports the scribe who approaches Jesus and says he’ll follow Jesus wherever he goes (8:19).  Another asks leave to go bury his father before following Jesus (8:21), but Jesus says (paraphrase), “Let your family take care of that matter.  Come with me right now if you wish to be my disciple.”  It’s hard to follow Jesus, but so many, for so many generations, after hearing his teaching and experiencing his compassion and seeing his power, have done so.  Even with the great commitments that must be made, it is a joy to follow Jesus.

I have decided to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus;

No turning back; no turning back.   --Simon Marak (1950)