MATTHEW 8:18-22
THE WOULD-BE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS
BRIEF INTERPRETATION
Text – Matthew 8:18–22
18 When Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other shore.
19 A scribe approached and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”
20 Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”
21 Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.”
22 But Jesus answered him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.”
Introduction
In this short but profound episode, Jesus reveals the cost of discipleship. As His ministry grows and crowds begin to follow, He challenges would-be followers to understand that discipleship is not about comfort or convenience but total commitment to God’s will. The two dialogues—one with a scribe and another with a disciple—expose different attachments that can hinder following Christ: material security and divided priorities. Jesus invites His followers to an uncompromising response—a life rooted not in comfort or duty but in radical faith and detachment.
Historical and Jewish Context
At this stage in His ministry, Jesus was gaining popularity as a miracle-worker and teacher. Many sought to follow Him, but not all understood the depth of His mission. The scribe, an expert in the Law, calls Jesus “Teacher,” acknowledging His authority but not yet His divinity. His declaration, “I will follow you wherever you go,” seems generous but perhaps impulsive. Jesus’ reply—“The Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head”—underscores that true discipleship involves sacrifice and detachment from worldly security. Unlike foxes and birds, even basic shelter eludes Him. He lives entirely dependent on the Father’s will and providence.
The second man, already a follower, asks to delay his commitment until after burying his father. In Jewish culture, burying one’s parent was a sacred duty, enjoined by the commandment to honor one’s father and mother (Exodus 20:12). Yet Jesus’ response—“Let the dead bury their dead”—is not disrespectful but radically prophetic. He distinguishes between the spiritually dead and the spiritually alive, teaching that the call to the Kingdom transcends even the holiest earthly obligations. Following Him demands an immediate and undivided heart.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Theologically, this passage reveals the radical nature of Christian discipleship. Jesus calls His followers to share His own poverty, detachment, and mission. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2544–2547) teaches that “Jesus enjoins His disciples to prefer Him to everything and everyone.” The Son of Man, who emptied Himself (Philippians 2:7), invites His disciples to the same self-emptying love.
The scribe represents those who are drawn by enthusiasm but not yet prepared for the hardships of the Gospel. His eagerness must mature into perseverance. The second disciple represents those whose faith is divided by attachment to human obligations. Jesus’ command, “Follow me,” is the same call that echoes through all generations—an invitation to trust that God’s grace will provide for what we leave behind.
In the Catholic spiritual tradition, this passage also relates to vocation and religious life. Those called to priesthood or consecrated life must accept a life of poverty and detachment, following the Son of Man who had nowhere to rest His head. Yet, the same principle applies to all Christians: discipleship requires placing Christ above comfort, possessions, and even family ties when they compete with God’s call.
Parallels in Scripture
1 Kings 19:19–21 – Elisha leaves his oxen and follows Elijah, symbolizing total dedication.
Luke 9:57–62 – A parallel passage emphasizing immediate response to God’s call.
Matthew 10:37–39 – “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.”
Philippians 3:8 – “I consider everything as loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”
Luke 14:27 – “Whoever does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”
Key Terms
Son of Man: A Messianic title revealing both Jesus’ humility and divine authority.
Follow Me: The central call of discipleship, implying total trust and obedience.
Detachment: Freedom from attachment to material or emotional securities that hinder spiritual growth.
Radical Discipleship: Complete surrender to Christ’s mission, even at great personal cost.
Spiritual Death: The state of being separated from God through indifference or unbelief.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is proclaimed in Ordinary Time (13th Sunday, Year C) and during feasts that emphasize vocation and mission. It is often used in religious discernment and retreats to inspire deeper commitment. In the liturgy, it serves as a reminder that following Christ means choosing His will above all else, trusting that His grace provides what the world cannot.
Conclusion
Jesus teaches that following Him demands both faith and sacrifice. The scribe must learn that discipleship offers no worldly security; the disciple must learn that the call of Christ takes precedence over even sacred obligations. To follow Jesus is to walk the path of the Son of Man—poor, obedient, and free. The true disciple trusts that every renunciation made for Christ leads to eternal life and joy in His Kingdom.
Reflection
Am I ready to follow Christ wherever He leads, without conditions or delays? True discipleship demands more than admiration—it requires surrender. Jesus invites me to place Him above my comfort, attachments, and plans, trusting that He is enough.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You call me to follow You without hesitation. Free me from the attachments that hold me back and from fears that keep me from trust. Teach me to find my rest not in possessions or plans, but in Your will. May I follow You faithfully, sharing in Your poverty, love, and freedom. Amen.
DETAILED INTERPRETATION
INTRODUCTION
In Matthew 8:18-22, we encounter two distinct interactions between Jesus and individuals who express a desire to follow Him. These verses, set against the backdrop of Jesus’ growing ministry, reflect the challenge and cost of true discipleship. Jesus makes it clear that following Him demands complete surrender and a readiness to leave behind the comforts of earthly life. He tells the first would-be disciple that “the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head,” emphasizing that following Christ requires a detachment from worldly security and an embrace of a mission that may lead to uncertainty and hardship. Through these encounters, Jesus calls His followers to understand that discipleship is not simply a matter of words, but a radical commitment to His way of life, regardless of personal cost.
Historically, within the Jewish culture of Jesus’ time, familial obligations were held in high esteem, especially the duty to care for one’s parents, as illustrated by the second interaction where a man wishes to first bury his father before following Jesus. Jesus’ response, “Let the dead bury their own dead,” might seem harsh, but it serves to underscore the urgency and primacy of God’s Kingdom. By placing this in context, we recognize that Jesus is not undermining family values, but is instead emphasizing that loyalty to Him must come above all, even the most sacred of earthly duties. In our modern understanding, this passage challenges us to reflect on the priorities in our own lives and whether we are willing to sacrifice worldly attachments to fully embrace the call of Christ.
Matthew 8:18 “Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side.”
In this verse, Jesus is in the midst of his ministry, performing miracles and attracting large crowds with his teachings. However, he makes the decision to leave the crowds behind and cross to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. This decision reveals several key aspects of Jesus’ ministry and offers a profound lesson for his followers.
1. Jesus’ Growing Popularity:
The mention of “great crowds” indicates that Jesus’ popularity was on the rise. His teachings and miraculous healings drew many to him (Mt 4:23-25). Yet, unlike many leaders who might embrace this fame, Jesus chose to withdraw, emphasizing that his focus was not on gaining followers or basking in admiration, but on fulfilling his divine mission (Jn 6:15).
2. Detachment from Worldly Success:
Jesus’ decision to leave the crowd shows a rejection of worldly acclaim and a call to focus on God’s plan. His actions demonstrate that true discipleship involves detachment from material success and the approval of others. The Catechism of the Catholic Church echoes this call: “Jesus enjoins his disciples to prefer him to everything and everyone, and bids them to ‘renounce all that [they have]’ for his sake and that of the Gospel” (CCC 2544). Jesus modeled this detachment by crossing the sea and inviting his disciples to follow, even when it meant leaving behind the comfort of familiarity.
3. Jesus’ Authority Over His Disciples:
By giving “orders” to cross to the other side, Jesus asserts his authority over his disciples (Mk 1:16-20). He expects them to trust him and follow, even when the path ahead is uncertain. This act foreshadows the broader mission Jesus will eventually entrust to his disciples, calling them to spread the Gospel beyond their immediate context (Mt 28:19-20).
4. Trusting in Divine Providence:
Crossing the Sea of Galilee symbolizes stepping into the unknown and trusting God’s providence. Jesus invites his disciples to follow him on this journey, teaching them that faith involves trusting in God, even when the way forward is unclear (Prov 3:5-6). In our lives, we too must be willing to follow where Christ leads, even when it means moving into unfamiliar territory.
5. A Prelude to Spiritual Warfare:
Immediately after this passage, Jesus calms a storm and confronts demonic forces (Mt 8:23-34). His decision to move forward across the sea signals readiness for the spiritual battles ahead. This reminds us that discipleship often involves confronting challenges, both physical and spiritual, and calls for a readiness to engage in spiritual warfare (Eph 6:12).
Reflection
In our own lives, there are times when we must “cross to the other side” and leave behind comfort, security, or relationships that prevent us from fully following Christ. Jesus’ choice to leave the crowds and continue his mission serves as a powerful reminder that discipleship requires detachment from the allurements of the world. We must be willing to go where God calls us, even when the path is difficult or unpopular. As followers of Christ, we are called to seek God’s will first, and to trust that He will provide for us on the journey.
How often do we allow ourselves to be distracted by success, popularity, or material comforts, losing sight of God’s mission for us? Jesus teaches us that true discipleship involves trusting God’s plan, even when it requires leaving behind what is familiar or comfortable.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You show us the way to the Father, not through fame or worldly success, but through faithfulness to your mission. Help us to trust in your divine plan for our lives, especially when we are called to move away from the familiar and comfortable. Grant us the grace of detachment from anything that hinders our journey toward you. May we follow you with courage and perseverance, always trusting in your providence and love. Strengthen our faith and guide our steps, that we may cross to the other side with you, wherever you lead us. Amen.
Matthew 8:19-20 “A scribe approached and said to him, ‘Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.'”
This passage highlights the radical nature of Christian discipleship, and the total commitment required to follow Christ. It is a call to embrace a life of detachment from worldly comforts and to trust entirely in God’s providence.
The Scribe’s Enthusiasm
The scribe approaches Jesus with apparent enthusiasm, declaring his willingness to follow Jesus “wherever you go.” His use of the title “Teacher” shows respect but also reveals an incomplete understanding of Jesus’ true identity as the Son of God. While the scribe’s offer is remarkable for a man of his status – since scribes were highly respected teachers of the law and usually did not follow itinerant preachers – it is also indicative of a superficial grasp of what discipleship entails.
Jesus’ Sobering Response
Rather than immediately welcoming the scribe, Jesus offers a response that emphasizes the challenging reality of following Him. He contrasts the security that animals like foxes and birds enjoy with His own situation, having no permanent dwelling. By stating that “the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head,” Jesus points to the transient and sacrificial nature of His mission. Following Him would not lead to earthly comfort or stability but to a life of uncertainty and sacrifice.
The Meaning of “Son of Man”
In referring to Himself as the “Son of Man,” Jesus invokes a title with deep scriptural roots. This term, found in the book of Daniel (Dan 7:13-14), describes a heavenly figure given dominion and glory by God. By using this title, Jesus subtly affirms His divine identity while emphasizing His humanity and mission of suffering. The Son of Man is destined to fulfill God’s redemptive plan, which involves sacrifice, humility, and ultimately the cross.
The Call to Radical Discipleship
Jesus’ response to the scribe teaches that true discipleship requires a willingness to embrace insecurity, detachment from worldly comforts, and total reliance on God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes that discipleship involves carrying one’s cross and imitating Christ’s self-denial (CCC 618). Jesus, through His earthly ministry, modeled this radical commitment, and He calls His followers to the same level of dedication.
True discipleship demands placing our relationship with God above all else, even when it requires personal sacrifice. We must be prepared to leave behind comfort, security, and earthly attachments to follow Christ. As Catholics, we are reminded of the vow of poverty taken by religious orders, which echoes Jesus’ call to live free from material attachments (CCC 915).
Catechism Connection
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that true discipleship involves carrying one’s cross, following Christ, and embracing self-denial (CCC 618). This echoes Jesus’ own words to His disciples: “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). The vow of poverty embraced by religious orders reflects this same call, emphasizing a life lived in radical dependence on God rather than material wealth (CCC 915).
Reflection
In today’s society, comfort and material security are often equated with success. However, Jesus reminds us that following Him is not about earthly prosperity but about self-giving love and trust in God’s will. We are called to live as pilgrims on earth, knowing that our true home is in heaven (Phil 3:20). This passage challenges us to reflect on our priorities and to ask ourselves: Are we willing to follow Christ even when it means leaving behind our personal comfort and security?
The passage invites us to let go of attachments that prevent us from fully committing ourselves to the Gospel. Just as Jesus had nowhere to rest His head, we are called to find our rest and security in God alone. Jesus calls us to embrace the poverty of spirit (Mt 5:3), which opens us up to receiving God’s grace and living a life of deeper discipleship.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for sending us Your Son, Jesus Christ, who showed us the way of true discipleship through humility, sacrifice, and love. Help us to detach from the material things that bind us and give us the grace to follow Jesus wherever He leads, even when the path is difficult. May we always trust in Your divine providence and find our rest in You. Guide us in embracing the poverty of spirit, so that we may grow closer to You and serve others in love. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Matthew 8:21-22 “Another of the disciples said to him, ‘Lord, let me first go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.'”
Understanding Jesus’ Response
At first glance, Jesus’ response to the disciple appears abrupt and even harsh. However, when examined in the context of discipleship and the urgency of the Gospel, it takes on a deeper meaning. Jesus’ call to “let the dead bury their own dead” is not about dismissing family obligations or showing disrespect for the deceased. Instead, He emphasizes the radical nature of discipleship and the necessity of prioritizing our commitment to Him.
In Jewish tradition, honoring one’s parents, especially by providing a proper burial, was a sacred duty. It was even seen as one of the highest acts of mercy. Therefore, the disciple’s request to bury his father would have been seen as not only reasonable but also an obligation rooted in religious and cultural practices (cf. Exodus 20:12). However, some interpretations suggest that the disciple’s father may not have been dead yet, but that the disciple wished to stay with his aging father until his passing.
Regardless of the timing, Jesus’ response calls the disciple to a radical commitment to the Kingdom of God. His words, “Let the dead bury their own dead,” are understood metaphorically, referring to those who are spiritually dead – those who are disconnected from the life of the Kingdom and preoccupied only with earthly matters. For those following Christ, there is an urgency to respond to the Gospel and to place this calling above all other obligations.
The Spiritual and Catholic Meaning
The Catholic Church teaches that honoring one’s parents is a commandment of God (cf. CCC 2197). We are called to care for our families, particularly in their times of need. However, the Church also teaches that our ultimate allegiance must be to God, and there are times when the demands of discipleship take precedence over even the most sacred earthly duties. As Jesus says elsewhere in the Gospels, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Lk 14:26). This passage emphasizes the primacy of our commitment to God over everything else.
The Catechism further explains that while Christians are called to honor their families, they are also called to witness to the Gospel and fulfill the obligations that flow from it (cf. CCC 2472). This tension between family obligations and the demands of discipleship can be challenging, but it points to a higher reality: our call to follow Christ must take precedence over everything else.
Jesus’ words challenge us to reflect on what might be holding us back from fully committing to Him. Are we allowing earthly concerns, even legitimate ones, to take precedence over our relationship with God? Discipleship requires a reordering of our priorities, with God at the center of everything we do. St. Augustine interpreted Jesus’ words as a call to leave earthly concerns to those who are consumed by them and instead dedicate ourselves to preaching the Kingdom of God.
Application in Our Lives Today
For modern Christians, the message of Matthew 8:21-22 serves as a reminder of the total commitment that following Christ requires. This does not mean neglecting our family responsibilities but rather understanding that our duty to God must come first. When God is at the center of our lives, we can fulfill our earthly duties in a way that honors Him.
Discipleship often involves sacrifices, and at times we may be called to step away from our comfort zones to respond to God’s call. The Gospel challenges us to trust in God’s providence and prioritize our spiritual life over temporal concerns. As Catholics, we are called to witness to the Kingdom of God through our actions and our willingness to follow Christ, even when it is difficult.
Reflection
This passage calls us to examine our lives and identify anything that might be preventing us from fully embracing our call to discipleship. Are we allowing worldly attachments to take precedence over our relationship with Christ? How can we better align our priorities with the demands of the Gospel?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, give us the grace to follow You wholeheartedly, putting You first in our lives. Help us to order our priorities rightly, fulfilling our earthly duties while always keeping our eyes fixed on You and Your Kingdom. Grant us the courage to respond generously to Your call, trusting in Your providence. Amen.
CONCLUSION
In Matthew 8:18-22, Jesus challenges those who express a desire to follow Him by making clear the true cost of discipleship. His words remind us that following Him requires complete trust in God’s plan, even when it involves sacrificing comfort, security, or the most valued aspects of our lives. Jesus invites His followers to step away from worldly attachments and personal obligations that may hinder their spiritual journey, emphasizing the need for a radical reordering of priorities, with God’s Kingdom at the forefront. This call to follow Christ is both a privilege and a responsibility that demands unwavering commitment, regardless of the hardships or sacrifices that may arise.
As we reflect on these teachings, we are reminded that discipleship is not merely about a verbal declaration of faith but a continuous, lifelong journey of trust, sacrifice, and perseverance. We are called to follow Jesus wherever He leads, knowing that true peace and fulfillment come not from earthly security but from trusting in God’s providence. May we embrace this call with open hearts, placing Christ at the center of our lives, and allowing Him to guide us on the path to eternal life.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You call us to follow You with hearts fully devoted and free from worldly attachments. Grant us the courage and strength to answer Your call, even when it requires sacrifice and uncertainty. Help us to trust in Your divine plan for our lives, and give us the grace to let go of anything that hinders our journey toward You. May we place You above all else and walk faithfully in Your footsteps, knowing that You are with us always. Amen.