“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.”– Matthew 8:20 (KJV)
“But Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.'” – Matthew 8:20 (NLT)
“Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to even call home.'” – Matthew 8:20 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 8:20 Mean?
This verse from the book of Matthew is a thought-provoking statement made by Jesus. He said these words in response to a scribe who wanted to follow Him. Jesus wanted to express what it truly meant to be His follower. It is essential to grasp that following Jesus is not just about being part of a group; it’s about commitment, sacrifice, and understanding the difficulties that may come with such a dedication. Jesus was emphasizing that He, as the Son of Man, didn’t have a place to call home, unlike foxes and birds that have their dens and nests. This reflects a crucial message: we might not always find comfort or stability in our journeys with Christ.
Being a follower of Jesus means possibly stepping away from our comforts. It reminds us that Jesus lived a life of humility and sacrifice. His mission on earth didn’t come with a cozy home or a guarantee of comfort. This is something we should think about when we consider our faith. Following Jesus requires a willingness to leave behind our earthly desires and sometimes even our security.
Matthew 8:20 Explanation and Commentary
This verse sheds light on what it truly means to follow Christ. Jesus wasn’t sugar-coating the messages He was sharing. Instead, He was being upfront about the trials His followers might face. Jesus lived a life of wandering, preaching the Gospel, healing the sick, and teaching everyone about the Kingdom of God. It’s astonishing to realize that the Son of God did not have a conventional life like most people.
We should seriously consider this when we think about what it means to follow Him. Jesus wants us to understand that there will be challenges, and sometimes those challenges can be daunting. We might have to step outside our comfort zones and embrace uncertainty. Sometimes we may feel lost or without a place to call our own, especially when we choose to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.
The image of foxes with their holes and birds with their nests paints a beautiful picture. It reflects the reality that animals have homes, places where they can retreat to, while Jesus had no such luxury. His home was the world, and His purpose was to serve and save. This concept encourages us to think about what we prioritize in our lives. Are we building our own “homes” in terms of comfort, success, and security? Or are we willing to let go of those comforts for the greater purpose that God has for us?
In many ways, this verse calls us to be intentional about our priorities. Living a life of faith often means sacrificing our desires and expectations for something greater. We see this echoed in other verses in the Bible that emphasize sacrifice, such as Matthew 10:38, which says, “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” Here we can relate to Jesus’ message in Matthew 8:20: a true follower must prepare to feel uncomfortable.
Context of Matthew 8:20
The context of Matthew 8:20 is important for understanding its meaning. Before this verse, Jesus had been performing miraculous healings and showcasing His power. He had just healed a leper and a servant of a centurion. Word of His extraordinary deeds was spreading, and many were intrigued by His teachings and miracles. As people gathered around Him, they began to express their desires to follow Him.
In this charged environment, a scribe approached Jesus and boldly declared his willingness to follow Him. This was a significant moment, as scribes were respected figures in Jewish society, educated in the law. However, Jesus responded in a way that seemed to challenge the scribe’s enthusiasm. By stating that He had no place to lay His head, He highlighted the fact that following Him required a radical change in lifestyle and thinking. Jesus wanted to ensure that the scribe fully understood the gravity of what following Him meant.
The context illustrates how Jesus was not looking for individuals to join Him for the sake of appearances or status. Instead, He sought devoted disciples who understood the commitment required. This theme continues throughout the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus speaks about the costs of discipleship. Understanding the surrounding events helps us to grasp the weight of His statement about not having a place to rest; it underscores the trials in following Jesus.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 8:20
Looking closer at the elements of Matthew 8:20, we notice some profound insights. The mention of “foxes” and “birds” indicates the natural world around us. Foxes are clever creatures, often seen as symbols of cunning, while birds symbolize freedom. They both have places to rest, showcasing a sense of belonging. But then, Jesus points out that He, the Son of Man, lacks such fundamental comforts. This sharp contrast highlights His humility.
When we consider the phrase “Son of Man,” it’s a reference to Christ’s identity and mission. He came to serve, not to be served. In His ministry, He consistently exhibited humility and compassion toward others, including the marginalized and the poor. This statement emphasizes the selflessness of Jesus, His willingness to sacrifice comfort for the sake of others. It invites us to reflect on our own lives: are we willing to give up comforts for the sake of serving others, just as Jesus did?
Furthermore, recognizing that Jesus lacked a physical home calls us to reconsider our values and priorities. Many of us have a place we call home, but what does being at home mean in a spiritual sense? Following Jesus means welcoming Him into our lives, making our hearts His home. We may lose worldly comfort, but we gain something far more valuable—a relationship with the Creator.
This leads us to the core idea that life may not always be easy when we follow Christ. Jesus doesn’t promise a smooth path. Instead, He offers us a deeper purpose and relationship with God, and this often requires sacrifice. Just as His love for us was shown through self-denial, we are called to do the same.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 8:20
We can draw several valuable lessons from Matthew 8:20 that can positively impact our lives. Firstly, genuine discipleship requires sacrifice. If we want to follow Jesus, we must be ready to give up certain comforts and privileges. Jesus’ statement encourages us to evaluate our priorities and to be prepared for the challenges that may come our way.
Secondly, this verse reminds us that true fulfillment comes from our relationship with God rather than material possessions. While it can be comforting to have a place to rest, we discover that our spiritual journey with Christ is what brings lasting satisfaction. We can find rest in Him, even when our external circumstances may feel unstable. This concept is beautifully presented in Matthew 11:28, where Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest.
Moreover, having faith means embracing uncertainty. Following Christ may lead us into unknown territories, both physically and spiritually. The absence of a physical home is symbolic of how our faith journey often leads us away from the familiar into the grace-filled unknown. We should learn to trust Jesus even when we cannot foresee the outcome.
Lastly, we are reminded of the significance of community. During this journey, while we may not have a physical home, we can find solace and belonging within the body of Christ. We can lean on each other, support one another, and find strength in togetherness as we follow Him.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Matthew 8:20 serves as a powerful reminder of what it means to follow Jesus. His words challenge us to reconsider our priorities, to embrace the reality of sacrifice, and to place our trust in Him. As we navigate our faith journey, let’s remember that we may not have a physical place to call home, but we carry Jesus within us, and that becomes our true refuge.
This journey of faith is full of both challenges and blessings. We are called to step into the discomfort, lean on the promises of God, and find purpose in His love. May we all learn to find contentment in our lives as we follow Christ, realizing that even without a home, we are never truly alone.
As we reflect on this profound verse, let us also explore more enriching topics related to faith, scripture, and the lessons we can learn. For more insightful readings, check out Genesis 1:28 or Matthew 11.