Who needs you more?

Jesus, help me think about where I'm most needed as I decide where to go! Amen.

Someone told Jesus, "I'll follow you anywhere." Jesus said, "Foxes have dens; birds have nests; but I have no home." Another person said, "I'll follow you after I go to my father's funeral." Jesus answered, "Leave the dead and follow me now." A third person said, "Jesus, I'll follow you after I say goodbye to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who looks back belongs in God's kingdom."

"C'mon -- you have to go to the mall with us!" your friends beg. But your mother says, "I really need you to watch your sister while I do the grocery shopping."

It's hard to give up a shopping trip for babysitting, but you have to ask yourself: "Who needs me more?" Your friends can obviously shop without you, but your mom will have a hard time buying groceries with your little sister along. Hopefully, you can watch your sister now and hit the mall later!

This week's Gospel (Luke 9:51-62) is all about that idea. Jesus is traveling, teaching about God and trying to get people to follow Him, but everyone's got an excuse! One person changes his mind when he realizes Jesus doesn't have a home; two others want to spend time with their families first and then follow Jesus later.

Who needs them more? Jesus points out that He can't wait around for them to do other things; He's moving on to another town soon. If they're going to follow Him, He needs them now!

Having to help at home probably isn't your first choice. But when your mother needs you, it's important that she can count on you.

People who followed Jesus were rewarded by getting closer to God; when you help out your mom, a happier family is your reward.

If you have to choose, ask yourself: Who needs you more?