Matthew 8:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Lord did not pass judgment on him for his audacity, providing us a lesson on the necessity of patience with others. That is why He refrained from reprimanding those with malevolent motives, instead addressing their inner thoughts, allowing them to recognize the rebuke for themselves. This approach served two purposes: first, it demonstrated His understanding of the hidden matters of the heart; second, it permitted them to keep their intentions concealed despite this inward correction, thus granting them the chance to amend their ways if they so desired. He acted similarly toward the man who approached Him. This man, seeing numerous signs and witnessing many drawn to Jesus, desired to be part of the miracles and eagerly expressed his intention to follow Him.

Christ, in pursuit of His purpose, expressed something along these lines: "As you seek to follow Me, do you expect to amass wealth? Have you not noticed that I possess no home of My own? This is the path for all who would follow Me." The Savior spoke this in a bid to encourage the scribe to turn his heart towards Him; however, the scribe chose to step back. It is believed that references to foxes and birds symbolize demonic forces. Thus, the Lord remarks to the scribe, "The demons find their peace within you, hence I can find no rest for My spirit in your soul."

“While foxes have their homes, the Son of Man does not possess a place to rest His head.” This indicates that within that individual, there was an absence of true peace, an absence of the divine presence. “To whom … will I look, and who will be my dwelling place, but to the humble,” as stated in Isaiah 66:2. As he witnessed the resurrection of the dead and the speech of the mute, he presumed that the one who performed such miracles must also have great wealth, which prompted him to declare, “I will go … and I will follow You,” as noted in Matthew 8:19. The reply he received was telling: the foxes have their homes, but He lacks what even they possess, namely a place to reside.

We are taught through this rejected scribe's example that he sought to follow the Lord, drawn by the magnitude of the miracles, desiring to gain from the wondrous acts. This reflects the same ambition that Simon the sorcerer attempted to fulfill by seeking to purchase spiritual power from the apostle Peter. Consequently, such faith is judged negatively by the righteous verdict of the Lord, who addresses the scribe: "Why do you wish to follow me for the sake of wealth and fleeting benefits of the world, when I am so impoverished that I possess not even a place to lay my head and do not rely on my own abode?"

He states that he is poorer than the foxes and the birds of the air, lacking even a place to rest his head, desiring his followers to share in this humility. Therefore, your assumptions are futile, and your hopes are empty. In this interaction, Christ performed a dual kindness towards the scribe: first, by revealing His knowledge of the hidden motives of his heart; and secondly, by not directly shaming him, allowing the scribe to confront his own shortcomings and have the opportunity for repentance. After making this point, Christ did not prevent him from becoming a follower but indicated that those who pursue Him may not find the fulfillment they seek. Recognizing that he had been uncovered and misled in his intentions, the scribe fell silent.

The Lord responded to the individual who sought to follow Him, answering as the Creator of human hearts (Psalm 32:15), formed in a solitary act without requiring external assistance. He recognized that this person was troubled by malevolent thoughts, inhabited by dark spirits, and bound to his vices. Consequently, the Lord distanced him from His presence to prevent the individual's continuous wickedness from becoming a stumbling block for the faithful. The concern was that others might see this man and question the Lord's strength, perceiving it as inadequate to transform him towards righteousness.

Any Christian who seeks to conceal their transgressions resembles a spiritual fox. Just as a fox dwells in hiding due to its misdeeds, the sinner retreats into shadows, aware of their wrongdoings. Similarly, the fox hesitates to disclose its treacherous actions to others, just as the sinner feels ashamed to admit the errors of their life within the church. Indeed, I would classify as fox-like any Christian who schemes against their neighbor, attempting daily to creep into others’ possessions to pilfer fruit, devour livestock, or, as is often the case today, to steal not merely chickens like a fox, but piglets in a more predatory manner. While he may survive by his cunning pursuits, he does so with the ferocity of a wild creature, usurping what belongs to others.

A Christian should be cautious about conforming to the words of Christ, which He spoke to a scribe eager to follow Him while still attached to worldly possessions: “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” Flattery, deceit, hypocrisy, greed, and all forms of wicked desire resemble foxes that dwell in the human heart and birds that make their nests there. In such hearts, the Son of Man finds no resting place. Yet, He seeks refuge in the hearts of the meek, the humble, and those sorrowful over their sins, bringing His grace into their lives.

He addressed one individual eager to follow Him, stating, "The Son of Man has nowhere to recline his head," and to another who wished to tend to his deceased father, He declared, "Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but you, follow me." This indicates that those who desire to walk in the footsteps of the Lord should not anticipate comfort in their earthly journey, but rather face difficulties, necessities, and trials. Even the most justifiable worldly concerns cannot coexist with this calling. A decisive renunciation of all earthly ties is essential, freeing us from all attachments, and preparing us for the inevitability of suffering or the burdens of the cross, thereby equipping us to follow Christ faithfully. This aligns with the Lord's explicit intention.

Joseph and Daniel found themselves in the role of captives, yet you are not bound to anyone but Christ, who has liberated you from the bondage of this world; therefore, you should also reflect the likeness of the Lord. The Lord Himself walked in uncertainty, embodying humility and simplicity, for He remarked, "The Son of man hath not where to lay his head." His clothing was coarse, which is why He stated, "Behold they that wear soft garments dwell in royal palaces" (Matt. 11:8). Ultimately, both in His countenance and demeanor, He was modest, as the prophet Isaiah attests.

And JESUS mentioned, "Foxes have their dens and birds have their nests, yet the Son of Man lacks a place to lay His head, no home to claim as His own. What do you, by following Me, expect to gain? Are you not aware that I have no dwelling, not even like the birds do...? I desire for My disciples to bear the same attitude; they must be ready to endure all sorts of trials, rather than anticipate ease, glory, and wealth." Chrysostom observes the humility in this response, noting that Jesus did not say He scorns what He has, but that He lacks it. This demonstrates both His profound awareness and His gentle approach. He spoke not to push the man away but to correct his misguided intent and to encourage him to pursue following Him with hope if he chooses.

Jesus conveyed to him that being a disciple and walking in His footsteps is challenging for those attached to worldly comforts and material possessions: foxes have their dens and birds of the sky have their nests, but the Son of Man has no place to rest His head.

He was mistaken in his beliefs. Christ perceived the self-serving nature of his heart, anticipating that he could have a role in the heavenly kingdom similar to the one he had in the earthly kingdom. Christ simply responded that it would be futile for him to expect any earthly rewards for aligning himself with His followers. "Foxes," He said, "have dens, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head," indicating that it would be wiser for the scribe to remain in his previous position until his prideful heart is cleansed and he fully grasps the mystery of the kingdom of God.

"Son of man" is a modest designation that the Lord frequently used for Himself. This term conveys the essence of humanity (Ps. 8:5, Ezek. 2:1, 3, Ezek. 3:1, 3, etc.). However, those with insight recognize in this title a profound significance that transcends mere humanity, reflecting the honor and grandeur of the Messiah. This expression is derived from the book of Daniel, where the prophet envisions (Dan. 7:13, 14) a figure resembling a son of man approaching the Almighty. To Him were bestowed glory, authority, and a kingdom; all nations, tribes, and generations began to serve Him. His dominion is everlasting and will not be destroyed, nor will His kingdom fade away. This portrayal clearly represents a Messiah who has received an eternal reign and authority from God.