---

We are further informed by Matthew 8:19, that this man was a scribe, consequently a man of education, and of considerable respectability and social importance.

1. His avowal of attachment was unsolicited. To most men this would probably have increased the value of his decision. This spontaneous offer must be the dictate of a sincere and honest heart. But lie who knows what is in man penetrated all the disguises and subtle reserves within, and discerned the real bias, the ulterior motives, and mean and mercenary views of this adventurer. There was no conscious need of the Saviour in him; no previous work of the word of Christ upon his heart. The true disciples of Christ are attached to Him by obligations of everlasting gratitude: they have been recipients from Him of the greatest blessings God can bestow and man receive. But this man makes no profession of love.

2. Yet his profession was extensive — "Lord, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest." He seems to anticipate some inconvenience, to be prepared for some self-denial, to look at the probability of danger, and to form some estimate of the cost involved. But then it was his own estimate, and altogether erroneous. It was well for him that he was not exposed to the fury of that boisterous night. That very first lesson would have shown that the scribe was ignorant of the principles of the doctrine of Christ.

3. Yet his plans were all laid; he did not solicit any delay. He was ready to step into the boat, to go anywhere — as he thought, and to do anything, when the Saviour put before him the picture of His own abject condition — "Foxes have holes," &c. Disappointed and vexed that his overtures of service should not be immediately and respectfully accepted, chagrined that he should have stooped to one whose circumstances were so indigent, all the bright prospects that he had cherished in the mind's eye are dispelled, and he retires, teaching us that those who indulge carnal views of a Christian life have "neither part nor lot in the matter." What an opportunity he for ever lost of entertaining the King of kings! "Not where to lay Thy head! My house is Thine; eat at my table; sleep on my bed." And if the gracious Saviour had declined the invitation, He would have accepted the heart from which it came. In some direction or other this miserable scribe was related to the large family of By-ends, who think "to make a gain of godliness"; for it is certain that the Friend of Sinners never did, and never will, reject the approaches of one humble, genuine candidate for His favour.

(W. G. Lewis.)

---

---

KJV: And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

WEB: As they went on the way, a certain man said to him, "I want to follow you wherever you go, Lord."