Matthew 8:18-22

Matthew 8:18-22 
English Standard Version (ESV)

  Sometimes, we think that it would have been easier 'back when...'.  We think it would have been easier to raise kids before smart phones, or we think it would have been safer to drive before interstates, etc.  Some things were probably easier, but other challenges made it tougher.  It was different.
  Let's not think that discipleship would have been easier in Jesus' day.  While it would have been easier to see Jesus in front of you, Jesus had some challenging things to say.  There were times (John 6) when the entire crowd left.  On Good Friday, there were only a few disciples left who were faithful, despite three years of miracles and teachings by Jesus.  It couldn't have been that easy if so many of the crowd abandoned him.
  Following Jesus has always been challenging.  It's never easy, but he always promises that it is worth it -- that there is peace and unbreakable hope in the power of his name.  It's as hard today as it has ever been, and it's as worth it now as ever.