What is the meaning of Matthew 8:20? Foxes have dens “Foxes have dens…” (Matthew 8:20) • Even the crafty, elusive fox enjoys a fixed, protected dwelling. Job 38:41 and Psalm 104:21 highlight how God faithfully sustains wild creatures; their security is a given in creation. • By mentioning foxes first, Jesus starts with the most earthbound, ground-burrowing example, underscoring how ordinary and expected it is for animals to possess shelter. • The statement is literal—foxes really do have dens—yet it also paints a vivid contrast setting up the spiritual lesson that follows. and birds of the air have nests “…and birds of the air have nests…” (Matthew 8:20) • Birds, though seemingly free-roaming, still return to a nest. Psalm 84:3 marvels that “the sparrow has found a home… a place near Your altars,” reminding us that God provides even for the smallest flyers. • Nest imagery signals safety, rest, and belonging. Deuteronomy 32:11 likens God’s care to an eagle hovering over its young, reinforcing the picture of secure habitation. • By pairing ground animals with sky creatures, Jesus covers the full scope of creation: land and air both enjoy God-given shelters. but the Son of Man “…but the Son of Man…” (Matthew 8:20) • “Son of Man” is Jesus’ preferred self-designation (Daniel 7:13; Matthew 9:6), highlighting both His messianic authority and His true humanity. • The contrast is striking: the One through whom all things were made (John 1:3) now places Himself alongside burrowing foxes and nesting birds only to show He possesses less earthly comfort than they do. • His title also hints at future glory: the same Son of Man who lacks a pillow will one day “come on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30). has no place to lay His head “…has no place to lay His head.” (Matthew 8:20) • Literally, Jesus often slept under open skies (Luke 6:12) or relied on hospitality (Luke 10:38). Unlike foxes and birds, He owned no permanent home base. • Voluntary poverty: “Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9). His mission came before personal comfort. • Cost of discipleship: He speaks these words to a scribe eager to follow Him (Matthew 8:19). The implication—following Jesus may entail surrendering earthly securities. Compare Luke 9:57-58, the parallel account. • Fulfillment of humility: Philippians 2:6-8 traces the downward arc from heavenly throne to earthly homelessness to cross, all embraced for our redemption. summary Every creature enjoys a built-in refuge, yet the Creator chose homelessness for the sake of His saving mission. Matthew 8:20 spotlights Jesus’ humble identification with us, His call to hold earthly comforts loosely, and His unmatched worthiness to be followed wherever He leads. |
    |