Counting the Cost: Why Jesus Challenged the Scribe

Matthew 8:19-20

19 And a certain scribe came, and said to him, Master, I will follow you wherever you go.

20 And Jesus says to him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has not where to lay his head.

Jesus did not permit the scribe to follow Him because the scribe had not yet counted the cost of true discipleship, which requires a complete surrender of earthly security and self-interestHLv 348.2+1. While the scribe offered to follow Jesus wherever He went, the Savior knew the heart was divided and that the man was not prepared for the self-denial and hardships that characterize the Christian path2MCP 380.3+1.

The Conditions of True Discipleship

Following Jesus is not merely a verbal profession or a reaction to emotional excitement, but an unreserved consecration of the heart, mind, and soulChS 235.3+1. Christ demands undivided service, where self is not cherished and the individual is willing to give up the seen for the unseenHLv 348.2+1.

• Counting the Cost: True discipleship involves taking up the cross daily and following in the footsteps of a Redeemer who, though He was rich, became poor for our sakes 2 Corinthians 8:9COL 393.1+1.

• The Lack of Earthly Security: When Jesus stated that "the Son of man hath not where to lay his head," He was illustrating that His kingdom is not of this world and that His followers must be prepared to endure privation and sacrifice Matthew 8:20GW 463.2+1.

• Heart Surrender: Many desire the reward of heaven but are unwilling to practice the self-denial required to keep the commandments of God and separate from the customs of the worldLS 350.4+1.

Lessons in the School of Christ

To be a true follower, one must become a diligent student in the school of Christ, learning lessons of meekness and lowliness of heart Matthew 11:298MR 68.2+1.

• Transformation of Character: Conversion produces a manifest change in character, habits, and pursuits, revealing the image of God in the soul1SAT 33.1+1.

• Submitting the Will: It is a hard struggle to give up one's own will and way, yet this is necessary so that the life may become a constant love sacrifice5BC 1091.4+1.

• The Motive of Service: Service that is merely a round of ceremonies or external duties without the "oil of grace" is considered lifeless and devoid of righteousnessChS 263.1.

The Danger of Worldly Attachment

The scribe, much like the young ruler, likely valued earthly treasures and his name among men more than fellowship with the SaviorHLv 348.2+1.

• Choosing the World: Many weigh Christ against the world and choose the world because they perceive the risk of losing earthly possessions as too greatHLv 348.2.

• The Idol of Riches: When riches or worldly reputation become an idol, they prevent the soul from accepting the gift of eternal lifeHLv 348.2+1.

• Separation from the World: Discipleship marks a clear distinction from the world in eating, drinking, and dressing; it requires coming out to be separate so the likeness of Christ can be discernibleLS 350.4+1.

Ultimately, Jesus requires those who follow Him to move forward with an intelligent hope, willing to endure hardship and even the laying down of life for His sakeSW October 1, 1907, par. 4+1. True followers do not seek to evade the cross but account the service of Jesus as the truest freedom5T 78.3+1.