Matthew 8:20
Jesus replied, "Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head."
Jesus replied
This phrase indicates a direct response from Jesus, emphasizing His role as a teacher and leader. The Greek word for "replied" is "λέγει" (legei), which is often used in the Gospels to introduce significant teachings or revelations. Jesus' response here is not just a casual remark but a profound statement about His mission and the nature of discipleship.

Foxes have dens
The mention of "foxes" in this context is symbolic. In the ancient Near East, foxes were often seen as cunning and resourceful creatures. The Greek word "ἀλώπεκες" (alopekes) refers to these animals that are able to find shelter and security. This imagery contrasts with Jesus' own situation, highlighting the irony that even these creatures have a place of rest, while He does not.

and birds of the air have nests
"Birds of the air" refers to the common birds that were part of the everyday landscape in Israel. The Greek word "πετεινά" (peteina) is used here, which can mean any flying creature. The "nests" symbolize a place of safety and belonging. This phrase further emphasizes the natural order where even the simplest creatures have a home, underscoring the humility and sacrifice of Jesus' earthly ministry.

but the Son of Man
This title, "Son of Man," is significant in the Gospels and is used by Jesus to refer to Himself. The Greek "ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου" (ho huios tou anthrōpou) has roots in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Daniel (Daniel 7:13-14), where it denotes a messianic figure with authority and glory. Jesus uses this title to assert His identity and mission, while also emphasizing His humanity and connection to all people.

has no place to lay His head
This phrase poignantly captures the transient and sacrificial nature of Jesus' ministry. The Greek "οὐκ ἔχει ποῦ τὴν κεφαλὴν κλίνῃ" (ouk echei pou tēn kephalēn klinē) literally means "has not where the head he might lay." It reflects the reality that Jesus, despite His divine authority, chose a life of poverty and itinerancy. This statement serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of true discipleship and the call to prioritize spiritual over material security.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is responding to a scribe who expresses a desire to follow Him. Jesus is emphasizing the cost of discipleship.

2. Son of Man
A title Jesus uses for Himself, which has roots in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Daniel, signifying both His humanity and His divine authority.

3. Foxes and Birds
These animals are used metaphorically by Jesus to illustrate the contrast between the natural world, which has a place of rest, and His own itinerant ministry.

4. Scribe
A teacher of the law who approaches Jesus, indicating a willingness to follow Him, but perhaps without understanding the full implications.

5. The Journey
This event takes place during Jesus' ministry in Galilee, a time when He was traveling and teaching extensively.
Teaching Points
The Cost of Discipleship
Following Jesus requires a willingness to give up earthly comforts and securities. True discipleship involves sacrifice and a readiness to embrace uncertainty for the sake of the Gospel.

Jesus' Example of Humility
Jesus, though divine, chose a life of humility and lack. Believers are called to emulate His example by prioritizing spiritual over material wealth.

Eternal Perspective
Jesus' statement encourages believers to focus on eternal rewards rather than temporary comforts. Our true home is with God, and our lives should reflect that eternal perspective.

Trust in God's Provision
While Jesus had no permanent home, He trusted in God's provision. Believers are encouraged to rely on God's faithfulness rather than their own understanding or resources.

Commitment to the Mission
Jesus' mission was His priority, and He was willing to endure hardship for it. Believers are called to commit fully to the mission of spreading the Gospel, regardless of personal cost.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does Jesus' statement about having "no place to lay His head" reveal about His priorities and mission?

2. How can we apply the principle of sacrificing comfort for the sake of following Jesus in our daily lives?

3. In what ways does the title "Son of Man" deepen our understanding of Jesus' identity and mission?

4. How do the examples of foxes and birds help us understand the transient nature of Jesus' earthly ministry?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's provision rather than your own resources. How did that experience strengthen your faith?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Luke 9:58
This parallel passage in Luke reinforces the message of the cost of following Jesus.

Philippians 2:5-8
Paul speaks of Jesus' humility and His willingness to give up heavenly comfort, which aligns with the idea of having "no place to lay His head."

Hebrews 11:13-16
The concept of being strangers and exiles on the earth, as the faithful look forward to a heavenly homeland, connects with Jesus' transient lifestyle.

2 Corinthians 8:9
Paul describes Jesus' poverty for our sake, which echoes the theme of sacrifice and lack of earthly possessions.
Christ's Name for HimselfR. Tuck Matthew 8:20
The Testing of Would-Be DisciplesR. Tuck Matthew 8:20
The Hasty and the ReluctantW.F. Adeney Matthew 8:18-22
Christian DiscipleshipJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 8:18-27
Followers on the Sea-ShoreA. M. Stuart.Matthew 8:19-22
Following ChristJ. R. Day, D. D.Matthew 8:19-22
Impetuous and Hesitating DiscipleshipJ. Taylor.Matthew 8:19-22
Jesus a Homeless WandererT. G. Horton.Matthew 8:19-22
Not Where to Lay His HeadMatthew 8:19-22
Religion More than ResolutionBeecher.Matthew 8:19-22
Religion Must Surmount DifficultyBeecher.Matthew 8:19-22
Religious Impressions not to be CheckedJ. Leifchild.Matthew 8:19-22
The Corrective TestH. G. Parrish, B. A.Matthew 8:19-22
The Foxes and Birds Better Accommodated than ChristJ. Orton.Matthew 8:19-22
The Lower Duty Hinders the HigherBeecher.Matthew 8:19-22
Three Human Types - One Divine TypeP.C. Barker Matthew 8:19-22
People
Esaias, Isaac, Isaiah, Jacob, Jesus, Peter
Places
Capernaum, Gadara, Galilee, Sea of Galilee
Topics
Air, Birds, Foxes, Heaven, Holes, Lay, Nests, Nowhere, Places, Replied, Rest, Resting-place, Roosting-places, Says, Sky
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 8:20

     2033   Christ, humanity
     2221   Christ, Son of Man
     4675   nest
     5104   Moses, foreshadower of Christ
     5427   nomads
     5447   poverty, causes
     5738   sons
     8780   materialism, and sin
     8811   riches, attitudes to

Matthew 8:18-22

     7621   disciples, calling

Matthew 8:19-20

     5925   rashness
     8120   following Christ

Matthew 8:19-22

     2363   Christ, preaching and teaching
     5877   hesitation
     8116   discipleship, cost
     8401   challenges

Library
The Touch that Cleanses
'When He was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 1. And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean. 3. And Jesus put forth His hand, and touched him, saying, I will; he thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4. And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.'--MATT. viii. 14. THE great collection
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Healing Christ
'Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.'--MATT. viii. 17. You will remember, probably, that in our Old Testament translation of these words they are made to refer to man's mental and spiritual evils: 'He bare our griefs and carried our sorrows.' Our evangelist takes them to refer, certainly not exclusively, but in part, to men's corporeal evils--'our infirmities' (bodily weaknesses, that is) 'and our sicknesses.' He was distinctly justified in so doing, both by the meaning of the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Swift Healing and Immediate Service
'And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15. And He touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose and ministered unto them.'--MATT. viii. 14-15. Other accounts give a few additional points. Mark:-- That the house was that of Peter and Andrew. That Christ went with James and John. That He was told of the sickness. That He lifted her up. Luke, physician-like, diagnoses the fever as 'great.' He also tells us that the sick woman's friends
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ Repressing Rash Discipleship
'And a certain scribe came, and said unto Him, Master, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest. 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.'--MATT. viii. 19-20. Our Lord was just on the point of leaving Capernaum for the other side of the lake. His intended departure from the city, in which He had spent so long a time, and wrought so many miracles, produced precisely opposite effects on two of the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ Stimulating Sluggish Discipleship
'And another of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 22. But Jesus said unto him, Follow Me; and let the dead bury their dead.'--MATT. viii. 21-22. The very first words of these verses, 'And another of His disciples,' show us that the incident recorded in them is only half of a whole. We have already considered the other half, and supplement our former remarks by a glance at the remaining portion now. The two men, whose treatment by Christ is narrated, are
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Peace-Bringer in the Natural World
'And when He was entered into a ship, His disciples followed Him. 24. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves; but He was asleep. 25. And His disciples came to Him, and awoke Him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26. And He saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man la this, that even the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Peace-Bringer in the Spiritual World
'And when He was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. 29. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with Thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art Thou come hither to torment us before the time? 30. And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. 31. So the devils besought Him, saying, If Thou cast us out, suffer us to go away
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Faith which Christ Praises
'The centurion answered and said: Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof, but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go! and he goeth; and to another, Come I and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this; and he doeth it.'--MATT. viii. 8-9. This miracle of the healing of the centurion's servant is the second of the great series which Matthew gives us. It is perhaps not accidental that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Cross and Crown.
At last He cried, with a loud voice: "It is finished!" Perhaps not many on earth heard it, or cared about it when they did hear it; but I can imagine there were not many in heaven who did not hear it, and if they have bells in heaven how they must have rung out that day; "It is finished! It is finished!" The Son of God had died that poor sinful man might have life eternal. I can imagine the angels walking through the streets of heaven crying: "It is finished!" and the mansions of that world ringing
Dwight L. Moody—Moody's Anecdotes And Illustrations

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. viii. 23, "And when He was Entered into a Boat," Etc.
1. By the Lord's blessing, I will address you upon the lesson of the Holy Gospel which has just been read, and take occasion thereby to exhort you, that against the tempest and waves of this world, faith sleep not in your hearts. "For the Lord Christ had not indeed death nor sleep in His power, and peradventure sleep overcame the Almighty One as He was sailing against His will?" If ye believe this, He is asleep in you; but if Christ be awake in you, your faith is awake. The Apostle saith, "that Christ
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. viii. 8, "I am not Worthy that Thou Shouldest Come under My Roof," Etc. , and of the Words Of
1. We have heard, as the Gospel was being read, the praise of our faith as manifested in humility. For when the Lord Jesus promised that He would go to the Centurion's house to heal His servant, He answered, "I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and he shall be healed." [2163] By calling himself unworthy, he showed himself worthy for Christ to come not into his house, but into his heart. Nor would he have said this with so great faith and humility, had
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Heaven and Hell
To-night, I shall, I hope, encourage you to seek the road to heaven. I shall also have to utter some very sharp things concerning the end of the lost in the pit of hell. Upon both these subjects I will try and speak, as God helps me. But, I beseech you, as you love your souls, weigh right and wrong this night; see whether what I say be the truth of God. If it be not, reject it utterly, and cast it away; but if it is, at your peril disregard it; for, as you shall answer before God, the great Judge
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

Twenty-Seventh Day. Activity in Duty.
"I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work."--John, ix. 4. How constant and unremitting was Jesus in the service of His Heavenly Father! "He rose a great while before day;" and, when His secret communion was over, His public work began. It mattered not to Him where He was: whether on the bosom of the deep, or a mountain slope--in the desert, or at a well-side--the "gracious words" ever "proceeded out of His mouth." We find, on one touching
John R. Macduff—The Mind of Jesus

Healing the Centurion's Servant.
(at Capernaum.) ^A Matt. VIII. 1, 5-13; ^C Luke VII. 1-10. ^c 1 After he had ended all his sayings in the ears of the people, ^a 1 And when he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. ^c he entered into Capernaum. [Jesus proceeded from the mountain to Capernaum, which was now his home, or headquarters. The multitudes which are now mentioned for the third time were not wearied by his sermon, and so continued to follow him. Their presence showed the popularity of Jesus, and also
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Healing Peter's Mother-In-Law and Many Others.
(at Capernaum.) ^A Matt. VIII. 14-17; ^B Mark I. 29-34; ^C Luke IV. 38-41. ^c 38 And he arose out of the synagogue [where he had just healed the demoniac], ^b 29 And straightway, when they were come out of the synagogue, they came { ^c entered} ^b into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. [Peter and Andrew had dwelt at Bethsaida (John i. 44). They may have removed to Capernaum, or Bethsaida, being near by, may be here counted as a part, or suburb, of Capernaum. Its name does not contradict
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Stills the Storm.
(Sea of Galilee; Same Day as Last Section) ^A Matt. VIII. 18-27; ^B Mark IV. 35-41; ^C Luke VIII. 22-25. ^b 35 And that day, { ^c one of those days,} ^b when the even was come [about sunset], ^a when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. { ^b he saith unto them, Let us go over unto the other side.} [Wearied with a day of strenuous toil, Jesus sought rest from the multitude by passing to the thinly settled on the east side of Galilee.] ^a 19 And there
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Heals Two Gergesene Demoniacs.
(Gergesa, Now Called Khersa.) ^A Matt. VIII. 28-34; IX. 1; ^B Mark V. 1-21; ^C Luke VIII. 26-40. ^b 1 And they came to the other side of the sea [They left in the "even," an elastic expression. If they left in the middle of the afternoon and were driven forward by the storm, they would have reached the far shore several hours before dark], ^c 26 And they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is over against Galilee. ^a 28 And when he was come into the country of the Gadarenes. ^c 27 And
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

A Sabbath in Capernaum
It was the Holy Sabbath - the first after He had called around Him His first permanent disciples; the first, also, after His return from the Feast at Jerusalem. Of both we can trace indications in the account of that morning, noon, and evening which the Evangelists furnish. The greater detail with which St. Mark, who wrote under the influence of St. Peter, tells these events, shows the freshness and vividness of impression on the mind of Peter of those early days of his new life. As indicating that
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Return to Capernaum - Healing of the Centurion's Servant.
We are once again in Capernaum. It is remarkable how much, connected not only with the Ministry of Jesus, but with His innermost Life, gathers around that little fishing town. In all probability its prosperity was chiefly due to the neighbouring Tiberias, which Herod Antipas [2583] had built, about ten years previously. Noteworthy is it also, how many of the most attractive characters and incidents in the Gospel-history are connected with that Capernaum, which, as a city, rejected its own real glory,
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Christ Stills the Storm on the Lake of Galilee.
IT was the evening of that day of new teaching, and once more great multitudes were gathering to Him. What more, or, indeed, what else, could He have said to those to whom He had all that morning spoken in Parables, which hearing they had not heard nor understood? It was this, rather than weariness after a long day's working, which led to the resolve to pass to the other side. To merely physical weariness Jesus never subordinated his work. If, therefore, such had been the motive, the proposal to
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

At Gerasa - the Healing of the Demonised.
THAT day of wonders was not yet ended. Most writers have, indeed, suggested, that the healing of the demonised on the other side took place at early dawn of the day following the storm on the Lake. But the distance is so short that, even making allowance for the delay by the tempest, the passage could scarcely have occupied the whole night. [2899] This supposition would be further confirmed, if the evening' when Jesus embarked was what the Jews were wont to call the first evening,' that is, the time
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Essential Character of the Work of Jesus.
Jesus, it will be seen, limited his action entirely to the Jews. Although his sympathy for those despised by orthodoxy led him to admit pagans into the kingdom of God--although he had resided more than once in a pagan country, and once or twice we surprise him in kindly relations with unbelievers[1]--it may be said that his life was passed entirely in the very restricted world in which he was born. He was never heard of in Greek or Roman countries; his name appears only in profane authors of a hundred
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

Christ the Son of Man.
"The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head" (Matt. viii. 20). "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" (Matt. xvi. 13). "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth may in him have eternal life" (John iii. 14). It is a matter of profound gratitude that our Saviour was a man. "The Son of man," as well as "the Son of God," was essential to His great work
Frank G. Allen—Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel

Kingo's Church Hymns
Kingo's church hymns naturally differ from his spiritual songs. They are more objective in form and less fiery in spirit. Most of them follow their themes quite closely, reproducing in many instances even the words of their text. Kingo is too vital, however, to confine himself wholly to an objective presentation. Usually the last stanzas of his hymns are devoted to a brief and often striking application of their text. He possessed to a singular degree the ability to express a thought tersely, as
Jens Christian Aaberg—Hymns and Hymnwriters of Denmark

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