Matthew 8 Jesus was surrounded by great crowds of people who had come to hear Him teach and witness miracles. The day was now ending, so He told the people that He was going across the sea so both Jesus and the people could rest. As the multitude began to shuffle away towards the shore to watch Jesus leave, a scribe approached the Master. “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go,” said the scribe, amazed at the power Jesus had to influence so many people. Jesus looked at the scribe, discerning his intentions and inclination towards power. “Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” The scribe’s smile faltered, realizing that Jesus would not be claiming His kingdom of glory any time soon. Another follower approached Jesus. “Lord, I want to follow you. Let me go and bury my father first,” said the man, in essence asking Jesus to wait for him. “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead,” replied Jesus, meaning that the spiritually dead are those who allow themselves to be caught up in the cares of the world when called by God to act. A third man approached Jesus, saying, “I will follow you, but first let me go home and say goodbye.” Jesus answered, “No one who has come to work for the kingdom of God, then looks back to see to the cares of the world, is fit for that kingdom.”
