How Not to Follow Jesus

In this message centering on four specific vignettes in Matthew 8:18–27, Chuck Swindoll explores the essential quality of discernment in the life of a disciple. He defines discernment as the ability to perceive the truth beyond surface appearances and words, a trait Jesus possessed perfectly [8–10]. Swindoll uses these four scenes to illustrate "how not to follow Jesus," contrasting superficial enthusiasm with the deep, self-denying commitment Christ requires. First, Swindoll examines Jesus’ reaction to a growing crowd. Rather than being impressed by the numbers, Jesus instructs His disciples to leave, teaching that one should not follow Jesus just to be part of a crowd. Swindoll warns against becoming a "Christian groupie" or a fan who is drawn by curiosity rather than commitment [10–12]. Second, the message addresses a scribe who eagerly promises to follow Jesus anywhere. Jesus discerns the man's lack of understanding regarding the cost of discipleship—homelessness and discomfort—and warns him not to follow while being "full of himself", or all talk and no action [12–14]. The third vignette involves a disciple who asks to bury his father first. Swindoll explains this cultural idiom meant waiting indefinitely for an inheritance, revealing a heart that prioritized financial security over immediate obedience. The lesson is not to follow Jesus with reservations, as His call demands "now" [15–16]. Finally, Swindoll recounts the disciples' panic during a fierce storm. He admonishes believers not to follow while doubting God's sovereignty, emphasizing that Jesus is the "eternal life preserver" who controls the wind and waves [21–23]. The sermon concludes with a powerful story about an underground church, challenging listeners to determine if they are truly willing to die for their faith [29–30].

Message Key Facts:

• Knowledge vs. Discernment: Swindoll distinguishes between the two. Knowledge is a reservoir of facts (which can be wrong, as illustrated by Jay Leno’s "Jaywalking" interviews), while discernment is the ability to detect, recognize, and perceive truth beyond what is spoken. It is the ability to spot a phony and read between the lines [6–8].
• Jesus’ Reaction to Crowds: Unlike many modern preachers who are validated by large gatherings, Jesus saw through the shallowness of crowds. When the crowd grew, He specifically asked to cross the lake to get away, seeking dedicated disciples, not just "fans" [10–11].
• "All Hat and No Horse": Swindoll applies this West Texas rancher saying to the scribe in Matthew 8:19. The scribe made a bold, pious claim ("I will follow You wherever You go"), but Jesus discerned he was unprepared for the reality of self-denial and the lack of earthly comforts.
• "Burying the Father": Swindoll clarifies that the disciple’s request in verse 21 was likely an idiom for postponing obedience until his father died and he received his inheritance. It was a request for indefinite postponement rather than an immediate funeral need.
• The "Seismos" Storm: The Greek word used for the storm in verse 24 is seismos (earthquake) megas (mega/large). This was not a typical squall but a violent, earthquake-like shaking of the sea that terrified even seasoned fishermen [18–19].
• "Little-Faiths": Jesus addresses the disciples’ panic by calling them "little faith." Swindoll notes this wasn't a critique of normal fear, but of "excessive fear" that forgot they were in the presence of God, who cannot drown.
• The Underground Church: Swindoll shares a story of a secret church raid where soldiers threatened to kill anyone who did not renounce Jesus. After the "half-hearted" left, the soldiers locked the door and revealed they were believers too, stating they could only trust those willing to die for their faith [29–30].
• Gandhi’s Observation: Swindoll quotes Mahatma Gandhi: "I like your Christ, I don't like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." This serves as a challenge for believers to live authentically.

Message References:

• Hebrews 4:12: (Quoted in introduction) "The word of God is alive and active and sharper than a two-edged sword... a discerner... of the thoughts and intentions of the heart".
• Matthew 8:18–27: The primary text covering the crowd, the scribe, the hesitant disciple, and the storm.
• Matthew 8:18: "When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he instructed his disciples to cross to the other side".
• Matthew 8:20: Jesus’ reply to the scribe: "Foxes have dens... but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head".
• Matthew 8:22: Jesus’ reply to the hesitant disciple: "Follow me now; let the spiritually dead bury their own dead".
• Matthew 8:26: Jesus rebuking the storm: "Why are you afraid? You have so little faith".

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll