As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This earnest offer of discipleship is striking because the original Greek hints that the man wanted to follow Jesus "away" or "off" from where he was going, suggesting he wasn't thinking about the difficult journey Jesus was actually on. It reveals how easily our enthusiasm can mask a misunderstanding of the true cost of following Christ.
As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Jesus and his disciples journeyed, a man impulsively declared he would follow him anywhere. This happens shortly after the Samaritans rejected Jesus, setting a somber tone, and introduces a series of interactions where Jesus clarifies the radical cost of discipleship, not offering easy companionship but demanding total commitment. The man's eagerness is immediately met with Jesus' stark reminder of his own homelessness, highlighting the profound sacrifices involved.
A bold declaration rings out: 'I'll follow you anywhere!' But what did that truly mean in Jesus' world?
This verse captures a moment of spontaneous commitment. A man, possibly a scribe accustomed to a life of comfort and respect, hears Jesus and is moved to declare his allegiance. His words, "I will follow you wherever you go," sound like pure dedication.
However, Jesus' response immediately grounds this enthusiasm in the stark reality of His mission. He points out the hardship: "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." This isn't a rejection of the man's desire, but a crucial correction of his likely assumptions. Following Jesus wasn't about gaining earthly comfort or status; it was about embracing a life of profound uncertainty and self-denial, mirroring the very Son of Man who had no permanent home.
Jesus doesn't just accept any offer of service. He tests the heart of those who claim to follow Him.
What's fascinating here is that Jesus doesn't simply welcome this man's immediate, unqualified pledge. Instead, He seems to pause and assess. This isn't about discouraging genuine commitment, but about ensuring it's rooted in understanding.
Jesus' reply, "Foxes have holes... but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head," is a powerful way of saying, 'Do you really know what you're signing up for?' He’s not looking for impulsive followers, but for those who are willing to count the cost. True discipleship isn't just about where you're going, but about your readiness to embrace the path, no matter how difficult or devoid of worldly comforts it may be.
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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 interaction occurs during Jesus' intentional journey to Jerusalem, a time of increasing opposition and reflection on the true cost of discipleship. The eager, yet unconsidered, commitment of the scribe stands in stark contrast to Jesus' realistic portrayal of the sacrifices involved.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Galilean Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, gathering disciples and teaching. This period is marked by numerous miracles and calls to discipleship, attracting crowds and varying levels of commitment.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Journey Toward Jerusalem
Jesus intentionally begins a journey toward Jerusalem, knowing the events that await him there. This journey is a significant period where he instructs his disciples and prepares them for his absence.
c. AD 30
Rejection by Samaritans
Jesus and his disciples are refused hospitality in a Samaritan village. This event highlights the growing opposition Jesus faces and prompts a discussion about the cost of following him.
c. AD 30— this verse
The Scribe's Impulsive Offer
As Jesus travels, a scribe spontaneously declares his intention to follow him anywhere. This offer, though enthusiastic, is made without full consideration of the hardships involved in discipleship.
This passage features a scribe expressing the same eager desire to follow Jesus, highlighting the common theme of immediate commitment to discipleship.
Luke 9:59This verse immediately follows, showing another individual wanting to follow Jesus but asking for a delay, contrasting different approaches to commitment.
Luke 14:27This verse speaks about the cost of discipleship, emphasizing that true followers must be willing to 'carry their cross,' which parallels Jesus's warning about the hardships of following Him.
John 1:43Philip's immediate response, 'Follow me,' echoes the sentiment of the man in Luke 9:57, demonstrating another instance of spontaneous calling and acceptance of Jesus's invitation.
1 Kings 19:20Elisha's willingness to leave everything behind to follow Elijah shows a similar, though Old Testament, example of radical commitment in response to God's call.
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 earnest offer of discipleship is striking because the original Greek hints that the man wanted to follow Jesus "away" or "off" from where he was going, suggesting he wasn't thinking about the difficult journey Jesus was actually on. It reveals how easily our enthusiasm can mask a misunderstanding of the true cost of following Christ.
As Jesus and his disciples journeyed, a man impulsively declared he would follow him anywhere. This happens shortly after the Samaritans rejected Jesus, setting a somber tone, and introduces a series of interactions where Jesus clarifies the radical cost of discipleship, not offering easy companionship but demanding total commitment. The man's eagerness is immediately met with Jesus' stark reminder of his own homelessness, highlighting the profound sacrifices involved.
As Jesus and his disciples journeyed, a man impulsively declared he would follow him anywhere. This happens shortly after the Samaritans rejected Jesus, setting a somber tone, and introduces a series of interactions where Jesus clarifies the radical cost of discipleship, not offering easy companionship but demanding total commitment. The man's eagerness is immediately met with Jesus' stark reminder of his own homelessness, highlighting the profound sacrifices involved.
"As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”" — This earnest offer of discipleship is striking because the original Greek hints that the man wanted to follow Jesus "away" or "off" from where he was going, suggesting he wasn't thinking about the di…
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Last reviewed October 2026