It’s easy to follow Jesus when He looks popular—when crowds gather around His miracles and blessings seem within reach. But in Matthew 8:14–22, we see the stark contrast between those drawn to Him for convenience and those who follow Him with conviction. People pressed in around Jesus, eager for healing and wonder, yet blind to their deeper need: salvation.

Jesus never promised comfort; He promised a cross. When a scribe expressed his desire to follow, Jesus reminded him, “The Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” And when another man hesitated, wanting to bury his father first, Jesus called him to prioritize God above every earthly tie—“Let the dead bury their own dead.” Following Christ is not about admiration; it is about surrender.

Even today, many seek Christ for what He can give rather than who He is. The road to eternal life remains narrow, and only those fully devoted will persevere. Jesus calls each of us: “Follow Me.” Not when it’s easy, not when it’s convenient, but now. Will we step off the world’s bandwagon and take up our cross to follow Him wherever He leads?