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Explanation for:
Matthew
8
:
20
And Jesus saith to him: The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air nests: but the son of man hath not where to lay his head.
14
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Tertullian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c897f85f2df2b809392261_Tertullian.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":3,"exegesis-text":"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. If He refrained from asserting His authority even over His own disciples, choosing instead to serve them; and if, fully aware of His kingdom, He declined kingship, He demonstrated unequivocally that His followers must renounce all forms of elevation and honor, whether in stature or authority."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"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?\\""},{"author-name":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"“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. This highlights that in the proud and greedy scribe who wished to follow Christ, there was no true tranquility in his heart, nor was it a sanctuary for the divine, as God resides with those who are humble in spirit."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"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. But how do we understand this? From Christ's response, which targeted not the content of the inquiry but the underlying motive. \\"Why,\\" Christ asked him, \\"do you anticipate gaining wealth by following Me? Are you not aware that I lack even a place to rest, unlike the birds?\\" He posed this not to reject the man, but to confront his selfish intent and to offer him the chance to pursue Him with a genuine hope if he chose to do so. To recognize his deceit, observe his reaction: upon hearing Christ's words of correction, he did not declare, “I am willing to follow.” Christ often responded in this manner with others. Though He might not have directly reprimanded, His replies would reveal the thoughts of those approaching Him. To the one who referred to Him as \\"Good Teacher\\" (Matthew 19:16) and flattered Him in hopes of winning Him over, Christ, aware of the man's intentions, responded, \\"Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone\\" (Matthew 19:17). And when they informed Him, \\"Your mother and your brothers are seeking You\\" (Matthew 12:47), as they still held human concerns and desired not insight but recognition of their closeness to Him for glory, He asked, \\"Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?\\" (Matthew 12:48). To His brothers who urged Him, \\"Show Yourself to the world\\" (John 7:4), seeking vain honor for themselves, He replied, \\"Your time is always ready, but My time has not yet come\\" (John 7:6). He addressed the opposite as well when referring to Nathanael, saying, \\"Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!\\" (John 1:47). When asked to convey to the disciples what they had heard and seen, He did not answer the words directly but spoke to the thoughts of the one who sent them (Matthew 11:4). In the same manner, He engaged with the crowd reflecting on their true perceptions: \\"What did you go out into the wilderness to see?\\" (Luke 7:24). Recognizing that they likely viewed John as an ordinary figure, He clarified, \\"What did you go out to see? A reed shaken by the wind? A man dressed in soft garments?\\" (Luke 7:25), effectively illustrating John's steadfastness and refusal to be swayed by luxuries. Similarly, Christ responded in accordance with the speaker's motives here. Pay close attention to His humility in this interaction. He did not assert superiority by saying, \\"Though I possess, I disregard\\"; instead, He stated simply, \\"I have not.\\" This reveals the depth of His wisdom and His willingness to meet people where they are. Whether in His actions regarding food, drink, or any appearance that might contradict John, He did so for the salvation of the Jews and, indeed, for the salvation of all humanity, while concurrently silencing heretical voices and earnestly seeking to draw those present to Himself."},{"author-name":"Isidore of Pelusium","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d94130e668938c9ae9d_Isidore%20of%20Pelusium.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"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."},{"author-name":"Maximus of Turin","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8950a7724e7f0a0cbc85f_Maximus%20of%20Turin.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"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. \\n\\nMaximus observed that in Scripture, foxes symbolize heretics, who share traits of craftiness, audacity, and a certain apprehensiveness. He remarked that while the fox distracts its prey with its tail, the heretic misleads with their words; the fox entices other animals with its docility to ensnare them, while the heretic shows false humility to cause harm; the former toys with its victim before delivering a fatal blow, whereas the latter first ingratiates themselves to sever the believer from the Church."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"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.\\""},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"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. Some interpret this as Christ, knowing the scribe's enslavement not only to superficial pursuits but also to various passions, answering symbolically. He referred to foxes and birds as representations of demons, due to their cunning and treacherous schemes against the seeds and fruits of virtue. Essentially, He suggests that demons have made their lairs within you, while I find no refuge, not even a moment’s rest, within your soul. These lairs and nests represent the passions where demons find shelter. By calling Himself the Son of Man, He affirmed His genuine incarnation and refuted the notion that He was merely a spirit, as some claimed. In this context, He also refers to His mother as a man, highlighting that both husband and wife are equally called man."},{"author-name":"Tichon of Zadonsk","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989ff6b5b4c943e70095_Tichon%20of%20Zadonsk.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":18,"exegesis-text":"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."},{"author-name":"Theophan the Recluse","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8983a6e0f4c3aecaae3fc_Theophan%20the%20Recluse.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"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. But to whom does this directive apply—only to the apostles, or to all believers? Reflect and decide for yourself. Are we not all called to deny ourselves and bear our crosses? Furthermore, are we not instructed to love Christ more than our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, spouses, and children? The answer is evident. What course of action should we take? The apostles once posed a similar inquiry to the Lord, and He replied, \\"What is impossible for men is possible for God\\" (Luke 18:27)."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"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. The scribe, realizing his plans were exposed and feeling deceived, fell silent. St. Isidore Pelusiot remarks that the Lord distanced this scribe to prevent his continued wickedness from becoming a temptation for the faithful, ensuring that others would not question the Lord's power for failing to transform him. Christ often acted similarly; though He may not have rebuked directly, His responses revealed the thoughts of those approaching Him. Blessed Theophylact and Euthymius Zigabenus suggest that when Jesus spoke, He indicated that there are evil passions residing in the scribe's heart, which prevents Him from finding even a moment's rest in his soul. \\n\\nFor the first time in the Gospel, Jesus refers to Himself with the humble title Son of Man, which signifies humanity as a whole. For the Hebrews, this title evoked the vision of the prophet Daniel, who foresaw the Son of Man approaching from the clouds of heaven, being presented before the Ancient of Days. Authority, glory, and a kingdom were bestowed upon Him, ensuring that all nations, peoples, and languages would serve Him; His reign is eternal and will not fade, nor will His kingdom be destroyed (Dan. 7:13-14). This prophecy clearly depicts Christ the Savior, of whom the apostle later states that He, although divine, became like humanity and assumed the form of a man (Phil. 2:6-7), yet without sin. He is entitled the Son of God for His unity with God the Father in divinity, while being called the Son of Man for His unity with us in our humanity. He cherished the title Son of Man as a testament to His loving kinship with humankind, revealing His closeness to us in our shared nature. How profound this humility is for the hearts of believers! Perhaps this is why sincere, simple souls, even those still bound to worldly ties, felt drawn to seek Him."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"\\"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. Although the prophecy does not directly call the Messiah the Son of Man, it refers to Him as being like a son of man. The apostle states that Christ, being the likeness of God, was made \\"like unto men, and became like unto men in appearance\\" (Phil. 2:7). Though He was fully human, He was distinct from all others, for He was without sin. Thus, the title \\"Son of Man\\" represents the Messiah. The Lord cherished this designation, possibly to emphasize His kinship with humanity and His profound affinity for them. Just as the title \\"Son of God\\" reflects His unity with God the Father, \\"Son of Man\\" embodies His connection with mankind in human nature. Consequently, in His interactions among people, He often referred to Himself in this manner. \\"Having no place to lay His head\\" indicates His lack of a permanent home, even though as God He possesses all. This likely alludes to His lifestyle as a wanderer, as He moved from place to place to fulfill His mission of preaching."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"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."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"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."}]}
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