is but one of the many proofs in Jesus' life of the sincerity of
the wide invitations he gave. Continually the lost and fallen came to
him, for there was something in him that made it easy for them to come
and tell him all the burden of their sin and their yearning for a
better life. Even one whom he afterward chose as an apostle was a
publican when Jesus called him to be his disciple. He took him in
among his friends, into his own inner household; and now his name is on
one of the foundations of the heavenly city, as an apostle of the Lamb.

Thus we see how broad was the love of Christ, both in word and in act.
Toward every human life his heart yearned. He had a blessing to bestow
upon every soul. Whosoever would might be a friend of Jesus, and come
in among those who stood closest to him. Not one was shut out.

Then, there is another class of words which appear to limit these wide
invitations and this gracious love. Again and again Jesus seems to
discourage discipleship. When men would come, he bids them consider
and count the cost before they decide. One passage tells of three
aspirants for discipleship, for all of whom he seems to have made it
hard to follow him.

One man came to him, and with glib and easy profession said, "I will
follow thee whithersoever thou goest." This seemed all that could have
been asked. No man could do more. Yet Jesus discouraged this ardent
scribe. He saw that he did not know what he was saying, that he had
not counted the cost, and that his devotion would fail in the face of
the hardship and self-denial which discipleship would involve. So he
answered, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests;
but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." That is, he
painted a picture of his own poverty and homelessness, as if to say,
"That is what it will mean for you to follow me; are you ready for it?"

Then Jesus turned to another, and said to him, "Follow me." But this
man asked time. "Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father."
This seemed a reasonable request. Filial duties stand high in all
inspired teaching. Yet Jesus said, "No; leave the dead to bury their
own dead; but go thou and publish abroad the kingdom of God."
Discipleship seems severe in its demands if even a sacred duty of love
to a father must be foregone that the man might go instantly to his
work as a missionary.

There was a third case. Another man, overhearing what had been sai