Matthew 8:20
And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus uses the contrast between animal shelters and his own lack of a resting place to reveal that following him means embracing a life of radical dependence on God, not seeking earthly security or comfort. The title "Son of Man" he uses for himself emphasizes his humanity and shared vulnerability, highlighting that even divine power doesn't guarantee a permanent earthly home for those who follow him.
A scribe eagerly offers to follow Jesus wherever he goes, but Jesus counters by highlighting the homeless and itinerant nature of his own life. He then turns to another disciple who asks to delay his commitment to bury his father, teaching him that following God's call supersedes even familial obligations. Jesus emphasizes that those truly dedicated to the kingdom don't look back, contrasting this with the scribe's superficial eagerness and the disciple's understandable, yet ultimately secondary, duty.
Jesus, the Son of God, claims a title that emphasizes His humanity. Yet, He declares He has nowhere to rest His head. How can this be?
When Jesus calls Himself the "Son of Man," He’s not just stating a biological fact. This title, deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy (like Daniel 7:13), points to both His humanity and His divine mission.
A Humble Human, A Divine King
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A scribe eagerly offers to follow Jesus. Why does Jesus respond with such a stark warning about homelessness?
Jesus’ response to the scribe wasn't a rejection of the man, but a profound test of his commitment. It was a call to count the cost before taking the first step.
A Call to Radical Commitment
Understand the original words
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun Phrase
A messianic title used by Jesus for himself, derived from Daniel 7:13-14. It highlights his humanity while simultaneously affirming his divine authority, celestial origin, and role as the eschatological judge and ruler.
Jesus, the prophesied Messiah and Son of Man, intentionally lived a life of extreme poverty and homelessness, demonstrating that true discipleship requires prioritizing the Kingdom of God above all earthly comforts and security.
c. 63 BCE - 4 BCE
Herod the Great's Reign
Herod the Great, a client king of Rome, ruled Judea with considerable autonomy but also under Roman authority. His reign was marked by ambitious building projects, including the expansion of the Temple in Jerusalem and construction of cities like Caesarea, but also by political intrigue and brutality.
c. 4 BCE
Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem
Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the reign of Herod the Great, likely into a humble family. His early life and family circumstances were typical of the common people of the time.
c. AD 27-30
Beginning of Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus began his public ministry, traveling throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. This period was characterized by his itinerant lifestyle and growing fame.
c. AD 30— this verse
The Scribe's Offer and Jesus' Response
During Jesus' itinerant ministry, a scribe offered to follow him anywhere. Jesus responded by highlighting his own lack of a permanent home, contrasting it with the security of wild animals, to test the scribe's commitment and reveal the true cost of discipleship.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Itinerant Lifestyle
Throughout his ministry, Jesus and his disciples lived a nomadic existence, relying on the hospitality of others and moving from place to place. This reflected a deliberate choice to prioritize spiritual mission over material possessions and settled life.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry Across Judea and Galilee
Jesus' ministry continued, marked by constant travel, teaching in synagogues and open spaces, and performing miracles. His constant movement meant he often lacked personal lodging and relied on temporary shelters or the generosity of hosts.
This passage presents the same interaction with a disciple who wants to follow Jesus, directly paralleling Jesus' response about the lack of a place to rest His head.
Philippians 2:6-7This passage speaks of Christ's 'emptying himself,' taking on the form of a servant and being made in human likeness, which beautifully contrasts with the divine glory implied by the 'Son of Man' title and explains his earthly homelessness.
Hebrews 12:2This verse highlights Jesus as the 'pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame.' It connects to Matthew 8:20 by showing His willingness to endure hardship and homelessness for a greater purpose.
2 Corinthians 8:9This verse directly states that 'though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor,' which profoundly illuminates Jesus' voluntary poverty and homelessness as described in Matthew 8:20.
Daniel 7:13-14This prophetic passage introduces the title 'Son of Man' and describes his receiving dominion and glory, providing the Old Testament backdrop for Jesus' self-identification and highlighting the stark contrast between His heavenly destiny and His earthly destitution.
vincentMatthew 8:20: "And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head."
Holes (φωλεοὺς)Wyc. has ditches, with burrows in explanation.Nests (κατασκηνώσεις)Only here and in the parallel, Luke 9:58. Nests is too limited. The word, derived from σκηνή, a tent, has the more general meaning of shelter or habitation. In classical Greek it is used of an encampment. The nest is not to the bird what the hole is to the fox,…
calvinMatthew 8:19-22: "And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest."
- And a scribe approaching said to him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou shalt go. 20. And Jesus saith to him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests: but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 21. And another of his disciples said to him, Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father. 22. And Jesus said to him, Follow me, and allow the dead to…
Jesus uses the contrast between animal shelters and his own lack of a resting place to reveal that following him means embracing a life of radical dependence on God, not seeking earthly security or comfort. The title "Son of Man" he uses for himself emphasizes his humanity and shared vulnerability, highlighting that even divine power doesn't guarantee a permanent earthly home for those who follow him.
A scribe eagerly offers to follow Jesus wherever he goes, but Jesus counters by highlighting the homeless and itinerant nature of his own life. He then turns to another disciple who asks to delay his commitment to bury his father, teaching him that following God's call supersedes even familial obligations. Jesus emphasizes that those truly dedicated to the kingdom don't look back, contrasting this with the scribe's superficial eagerness and the disciple's understandable, yet ultimately secondary, duty.
A scribe eagerly offers to follow Jesus wherever he goes, but Jesus counters by highlighting the homeless and itinerant nature of his own life. He then turns to another disciple who asks to delay his commitment to bury his father, teaching him that following God's call supersedes even familial obligations. Jesus emphasizes that those truly dedicated to the kingdom don't look back, contrasting this with the scribe's superficial eagerness and the disciple's understandable, yet ultimately secondary, duty.
"And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”" — Jesus uses the contrast between animal shelters and his own lack of a resting place to reveal that following him means embracing a life of radical dependence on God, not seeking earthly security or c…
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