I love the outro in the song From the Bed to the Table.

From the bed to the table,
From the table to the world—
I will rise and serve You, Jesus,
For Your grace has made me whole.

The song speaks about service after rising from the bed of sickness.

This time, the cost of discipleship is Rev. San Ho Bae's theme, based on Matthew 8:18-22.

Source

In Matthew chapter 8, two people come to Jesus and ask to become His disciples. But Jesus exposes their hidden motives and misunderstandings, and reveals the essence of discipleship.

Following the Lord is not something that can be decided impulsively, but a commitment made with a clear awareness of what one must lay down in order to follow Jesus. First, a scribe comes to Jesus and says, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go” (Matt 8:19). At first glance, it appears to be a great decision. But Jesus saw through the misunderstanding he had and said, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” (Matt 8:20). Jesus makes it clear that the path of following Him is not the path of comfort or success that he expected. The way of following Jesus is not a path promised with worldly reward. Rather, it is a path of laying down the stability and glory one may enjoy in the world. Jesus knew that this scribe had made his decision impulsively after seeing the many miracles and the excitement of the crowds. He expected that following Jesus would bring him worldly benefit, but Jesus spoke words that were the very opposite of that expectation.

Today many people come to church, but among their motives there often lies a misunderstanding similar to that of the scribe. They expect that if they live a life of faith, their life will prosper and their problems will be solved. Of course, God sometimes grants physical blessings to His people, but those are merely secondary results, not the purpose of faith. Scripture is thoroughly future-oriented and centered on the kingdom of God. “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil 3:20). Life on this earth is a time to prepare for the eternal kingdom, and therefore believers must prioritize the glory of the age to come over present worldly benefit. God allows suffering, even to those He loves, and at times even economic hardship or persecution. This is to refine His people and lead them to share in greater glory.

The second person says to Jesus, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father” (Matt 8:21). This is not merely a request to attend a funeral. In Jewish culture at the time, the firstborn son’s most important duty was to be present at his parents’ deathbed and to carry out the burial. When parents were advanced in age, the firstborn did not travel far, and only after the parents had passed away could he move freely. This man wanted to follow Jesus, but he wanted first to fulfill his responsibility of attending his father’s final moments.

But Jesus says, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, follow Me” (Matt 8:22). Jesus referred to unbelievers as the spiritually dead, and said that that task should be left to them, but you are to follow Me. This is not a word telling us to disregard honoring parents, but a statement that the call of the kingdom of God takes precedence over even the most important human obligation.

Jesus makes the priority of discipleship clear:

He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me (Matt 10:37).

The call of the kingdom of God takes precedence over any relationship, any responsibility, and any plan. Human life is always filled with tasks and duties. The attitude of following Jesus only after finishing all such tasks is, in the end, the same as saying that one will not follow Jesus. This is because human tasks never end, and the obligations of life continue on. When Jesus called the disciples to follow Him, Peter and Andrew, James and John immediately left their nets, their boat, and their father, and followed Him(Matt 4:18–22). Matthew also left the tax booth and followed Jesus immediately (Matt 9:9). Discipleship is not a delayed decision but immediate obedience.

The stories about the two people mentioned earlier clearly reveal the essence of discipleship. The path of following Jesus is a path of laying down worldly expectations and prioritizing the kingdom of God above human obligations.

Discipleship is not an emotional impulse but self-denial and the taking up of one’s cross. Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matt 16:24). Discipleship is a path that pays a cost, and at times even requires one’s life. Yet it is also the most glorious path.

Believers must not judge blessing by the standards of the world, but by the standards of the kingdom of God. Though the path of following Jesus is difficult and narrow, it is the most valuable path, leading to eternal life and reward, and therefore it is never in vain.

Response and Practical Reflection of Rev. Angelito Carillo

In Matthew 8, Jesus teaches us that discipleship is not a moment of excitement but a decision that shapes an entire lifetime. Two people express their desire to follow Him, yet Jesus responds by uncovering what true discipleship really demands.

The first man is eager and confident: “I will follow You wherever You go.” But Jesus reminds him that following Christ does not guarantee comfort or security. Discipleship means surrendering false expectations and choosing faithfulness even when the path is uncertain. Following Jesus is not about what we gain in this world, but about trusting Him with our whole lives.

The second man wants to follow Jesus, but only after fulfilling an important family responsibility. Jesus’ response is striking: the call of the kingdom cannot be postponed. Discipleship requires a clear priority—Christ must come first. Delayed obedience is often disguised disobedience.

Practically, this teaches us that discipleship is a conscious, lifelong commitment. It is not something we decide only when it is convenient. To follow Jesus means to choose Him daily, above comfort, plans, and even good responsibilities. It also means passing on the truth of Christ—by our words, our choices, and our example—so that others may see what wholehearted obedience looks like.

Discipleship costs something, but it also gives everything that truly matters. When we commit our lives fully to Christ and faithfully pass on His truth, we participate in God’s eternal work. This is not a temporary decision—it is a commitment for a lifetime, and it is never in vain.

In addition to the cost and commitment of discipleship, Matthew 8 also helps us understand that true discipleship is not about control, but about release. To disciple someone is not to bind them to ourselves, but to lead them to Christ and then entrust them to God. Jesus never controlled His disciples through force or dependence. He passed on the truth of the Gospel, lived it before them, and then released them to follow God’s will. He taught them how to know the Father, how to obey Him, and how to serve Him. In doing so, Jesus showed that discipleship is about forming faith, not creating followers of a person, a leader, or an institution. After proclaiming and demonstrating the truth, Jesus fulfilled His mission—seeking and saving the lost and establishing the Kingdom of God. That Kingdom continues to grow through the Church, built not by control, but by faithful witnesses who are grounded in truth and empowered by the Spirit.

Practically, this reminds us that discipling others means guiding them toward maturity in Christ and then releasing them to live out their calling. True discipleship equips people to stand in obedience to God, not in dependence on human leaders. When we pass on the truth of Christ and model a life of faithful obedience, we participate in Christ’s mission—building His Church and advancing His Kingdom until He comes again.