What does Jesus mean by foxes have holes and birds have nests?

Jesus is showing the scribe what life with him really looks like. Even animals have a regular place to rest, but Jesus as the Son of man often did not. He lived depending on others’ homes and had no settled comfort of his own. The scribe seems to have expected honor and an easy life by joining Jesus. So Jesus warns him that following him is not a path to comfort or status, but often means hardship, rejection, and simple living. It is a call to follow a homeless Savior, not a wealthy leader.

Why did Jesus tell the eager scribe about his lack of a place to lay his head?

The scribe sounded very devoted when he said he would follow Jesus anywhere, but he had not really thought through what that meant. He was used to a comfortable, respected life and seems to have hoped for gain by joining Jesus. Jesus answers by pointing to his own poor, unsettled condition. This is meant to slow the man down so he can count the cost. It is better to see clearly that following Jesus brings a cross and hardship than to rush in for the wrong reasons and then give up.

Why did Jesus say, Let the dead bury their dead?

Jesus’ words sound sharp at first, but he is making a strong point. The disciple has been called to follow and likely to preach, yet wants to delay for a funeral. Burial is good and right, but there were others who could do it. In the Bible, people who are spiritually unresponsive are sometimes called “dead” even while living. Jesus is saying that those who are spiritually dead can handle that duty, while this disciple must put God’s call first. Obedience to God’s call cannot always wait, even for important family customs.

Was Jesus being harsh in not letting the disciple bury his father?

It might feel harsh to us, because burying a parent is a serious and loving duty. But Jesus is not saying burial is unimportant or wrong. He is teaching that when God clearly calls a person to a specific work, that call comes before every other claim, even those that normally matter a lot. There were enough relatives to care for the funeral. This man had been called to a higher work at that moment. Jesus uses strong words so we see that loyalty to him must come before even the closest earthly ties when they compete.

What was happening when Jesus gave these two replies about following him?

Jesus had been healing and teaching near the lake, and huge crowds had gathered. Many were there for help with sickness or out of curiosity, not really to obey God. Jesus then gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. As they are going, a scribe steps up with a quick promise to follow him anywhere, and another disciple hesitates because of his father’s burial. In this setting of mixed motives and excitement, Jesus slows things down and makes clear that following him demands real sacrifice and prompt obedience.

Who are the people mentioned in this passage about following Jesus?

The main person is Jesus, who calls himself the Son of man. A scribe comes to him, someone trained in the law who usually lived a respected, settled life. Another person is called a disciple, which means he was already following Jesus in some way and may have been called to preach. The disciple’s father is mentioned because of the funeral, though we do not hear from him directly. The crowds are also in the background, large groups who came for many mixed reasons, mostly for help in their earthly troubles.

How does this passage show the cost of being a disciple of Jesus?

In these short scenes, Jesus shows two sides of the cost. First, he has no fixed home, which warns us that following him may mean losing comfort, security, and status. Second, he tells the disciple to follow him at once, even instead of taking part in his own father’s burial, which shows that God’s call can override even strong family duties. Together, these words teach that discipleship is not about what we can gain on earth, but about giving ourselves fully to Jesus, even when it is hard or costly.

How can I apply Jesus’ words about following him to my life today?

This passage invites you to check your heart. Are you drawn to Jesus mainly for what you hope to gain in comfort, success, or safety? His words about having nowhere to lay his head challenge us to be ready for a simpler, harder path. Also, are you putting off obedience because of other duties that feel urgent? His call to let the dead bury their dead pushes us to put God’s will first. In daily choices, this can mean choosing obedience, service, and faithfulness, even when it costs time, comfort, or approval.

Why is this passage about following Jesus hard for some people to understand?

These verses can feel hard because they touch our deepest loves: home, safety, and family. Jesus says he has no steady home and tells a man not to delay even for his father’s burial. That can seem uncaring if we take it in isolation. But in the wider story, Jesus cares for families and commands love for parents. Here he speaks so strongly to show the weight of God’s call. He is not attacking family or burial, but showing that spiritual life and obedience must come first when they directly clash with other duties.

Matt.8.18

Matthew 8:18

KJV

Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.

The Cost of Discipleship

Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.

And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

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.

And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.