August 30, 2019
Good Morning Fellow Travelers,
Read: Matthew 14:13-36
When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. (Mat 14:13 NKJV)
Are you okay with following Jesus on foot? Am I? Why would we follow Him on foot? Let’s explore the answers to these questions.
Wouldn’t there be better ways to follow Jesus than walking? Why not ride a mule or horse? Maybe join a caravan or ride a carriage? Jesus almost always walked wherever he went so it would seem that those who wanted to be close to Him followed His example. A horse would be a distraction to getting close to Jesus. A caravan would limit mobility. A carriage would take up space. If we want to get close to Jesus we will need to limit and avoid distractions.
The common people most often traveled and still travel with common means. The common people sought after Jesus to hear His teaching and to feel His healing touch. The rich often scorn lowly means and therefore find it harder to reach Jesus. Here is an example of one rich man who was sad that he needed to sell what he had and come follow Jesus on foot…
And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:16-23)
Just because you are poor does not necessarily mean that you will want to follow Jesus or that you will be saved. No. However, the less baggage to distract us or weight us down the easier it is to follow Jesus on foot. He should know. That’s why he said…If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Matthew 16:24)
~ Harold Troyer ~
