Luke 9:57
As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This man's enthusiastic declaration, "I will follow you wherever you go," is more about his own eagerness than a deep understanding of Jesus' mission. He sounds ready for adventure, but Jesus’ immediate response reveals that this kind of commitment often comes without considering the immense cost of truly following him.
Jesus and his disciples are traveling, likely on their way to Jerusalem, but this encounter happens amidst general movement rather than a specific destination. This moment follows an earlier rejection Jesus faced from a Samaritan village, creating a somber backdrop for his interactions with potential followers. The immediate aftermath shows Jesus laying out the stark realities of discipleship, emphasizing sacrifice and commitment.
Someone jumps at the chance to follow Jesus, declaring their unwavering commitment. But Jesus’ response reveals a deeper truth about the nature of discipleship.
This man’s offer is immediate and bold: "I will follow you wherever you go." It sounds like a perfect disciple's pledge!
However, the scholars point out that this man was likely a scribe, accustomed to a comfortable and respected life. His enthusiasm might have sprung from a misunderstanding of what following Jesus truly entailed.
Jesus, knowing the hearts of people and the challenging path ahead, doesn’t just accept the offer. He immediately paints a picture of hardship and homelessness: "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head."
This isn't Jesus being unkind; it's a crucial reality check. True discipleship isn't just about excitement; it's about understanding and embracing the sacrifice involved.
Jesus’ response to this eager follower is surprisingly stark. What does his emphasis on homelessness reveal about his mission and the commitment he demands?
When this man declares, "I will follow you wherever you go," Jesus’ immediate reply is about his own lack of a permanent dwelling. This is more than just a statement of fact; it’s a profound theological point.
Jesus' Rootlessness:
A Test for Disciples:
Understand the original words
akoloutheō · Greek Verb
The act of becoming a disciple, involving complete surrender, obedience, and alignment of one's life with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. It implies a total commitment that supersedes all other personal loyalties.
This encounter happens as Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem, a journey fraught with danger. The enthusiastic offer to follow 'wherever you go' starkly contrasts with the radical, costly commitment Jesus requires, especially at this critical juncture.
c. AD 28
Jesus begins public ministry
Jesus' ministry gains momentum, attracting followers and drawing attention across Galilee. This period is marked by his teachings, miracles, and growing crowds.
c. AD 28
Rejection in Samaria
Jesus and his disciples are refused hospitality in a Samaritan village, highlighting the tension and opposition he faced even on his journey.
c. AD 28— this verse
The Scribe's Offer
As Jesus travels, a scribe, accustomed to a life of learning and respect, impulsively offers to follow Jesus anywhere, eager to join his movement.
c. AD 28
Jesus' Call to Radical Discipleship
Jesus responds to the scribe and others with stark reminders of the cost of discipleship, emphasizing homelessness, self-denial, and prioritizing God's kingdom above all else.
This passage presents a similar offer from a scribe, directly highlighting Jesus' response about the cost of discipleship and the lack of worldly possessions.
Luke 9:59This immediately following verse shows another person who wants to follow Jesus but asks for a delay, illustrating different levels of commitment and Jesus' discernment.
Luke 14:26Jesus here speaks about 'hating' family in comparison to loving Him, powerfully emphasizing the supreme priority He demands from His followers, even above the deepest human relationships.
Matthew 16:24This verse introduces the concept of denying oneself and taking up one's cross to follow Jesus, directly addressing the self-sacrificial nature of true discipleship that the scribe in Luke 9:57 may not have fully grasped.
John 1:43Here, Jesus directly calls Philip to follow Him, providing a contrast to the unsolicited offer in Luke 9:57 and showing that following can begin with a divine invitation.
barnesLuke 9:57: "And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest."
See the notes at Matthew 8:19-22 .
vincentLuke 9:57: "And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest."
A certain manMatthew, a scribe.Thou goest (ἀπέρχῃ)Lit., "goest away" (ἀπό). I will follow thee whithersoever-away thou goest.
This man's enthusiastic declaration, "I will follow you wherever you go," is more about his own eagerness than a deep understanding of Jesus' mission. He sounds ready for adventure, but Jesus’ immediate response reveals that this kind of commitment often comes without considering the immense cost of truly following him.
Jesus and his disciples are traveling, likely on their way to Jerusalem, but this encounter happens amidst general movement rather than a specific destination. This moment follows an earlier rejection Jesus faced from a Samaritan village, creating a somber backdrop for his interactions with potential followers. The immediate aftermath shows Jesus laying out the stark realities of discipleship, emphasizing sacrifice and commitment.
Jesus and his disciples are traveling, likely on their way to Jerusalem, but this encounter happens amidst general movement rather than a specific destination. This moment follows an earlier rejection Jesus faced from a Samaritan village, creating a somber backdrop for his interactions with potential followers. The immediate aftermath shows Jesus laying out the stark realities of discipleship, emphasizing sacrifice and commitment.
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Jesus calls people not just to agree with him, but to identify with him, even in his lowliness.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem
Jesus resolutely sets his face toward Jerusalem, knowing the dangers ahead. This journey intensifies the challenges and decisions faced by his followers.
"As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”" — This man's enthusiastic declaration, "I will follow you wherever you go," is more about his own eagerness than a deep understanding of Jesus' mission. He sounds ready for adventure, but Jesus’ immedi…
