The Clarity and Priority of Following Jesus | Matthew 8:18-22 | Pastor Neil McClendon

Are you just part of the crowd, or are you truly following Jesus? Discover the radical clarity, cost, and priority of authentic discipleship in Matthew 8.In this sermon, Lead Pastor Neil McClendon preaches through Matthew 8:18–22, examining two encounters Jesus had with potential followers—one who promised to follow Him anywhere, and another who wanted to delay until his father passed. Unpack why Jesus sought disciples rather than crowds, learn what it means to embrace both the positive and negative experiences of Christ, and discover how following Jesus fundamentally interrupts our own timing, priorities, and self-reliance.In this episode, we cover:Disciples vs. The Crowd: Why Jesus intentionally retreated from popularity to focus on making true followers.Spiritual Authority & Physical Dominion: Reclaiming the power God entrusts to believers over their speech, choices, and resources.To Follow Means to Experience: Understanding that following Christ means embracing rejection and hardship alongside His joy.Mental Health & Christ-Like Experiences: How shifting our perspective to expect trials can heal spiritual and emotional frustration.Following Interrupts Timing: Why placing God's call first changes our plans for career, family, and the future.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: A "Follower of Jesus" vs. Being a Christian01:18 – Welcome & Passage Reading (Matthew 8:18–22)03:20 – Point 1: Jesus Wants Disciples, Not a Crowd05:40 – Spiritual Authority & Physical Dominion in Daily Life10:50 – Point 2: To Follow Means to Experience14:00 – Embracing Hardship as a Christ-Like Experience22:15 – Point 3: Following Interrupts Timing26:40 – The Legacy of Adoniram Judson & Sacrificial Living31:10 – Closing Prayer & Reflection QuestionsBe sure to follow us:InstagramFacebookYoutube