Matthew 8:19

“Then came to him a certain scribe, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Context:This verse is part of a larger narrative found in Matthew 8:18-22. In this passage, Jesus had just finished teaching his disciples and the multitudes about the cost of discipleship. He emphasized the need for commitment and the willingness to prioritize following Him above all else.

In verse 19, a scribe approaches Jesus and expresses his desire to become His disciple. The scribe addresses Jesus as “Master,” indicating his recognition of Jesus as a teacher or rabbi with authority. He expresses his willingness to follow Jesus wherever He goes.

It’s important to note that during Jesus’ time, scribes were experts in the Jewish law and were often associated with the religious authorities. However, not all scribes were aligned with the teachings and actions of Jesus. So, this scribe’s willingness to follow Jesus is significant.

This verse highlights the initial enthusiasm and eagerness of the scribe to become Jesus’ disciple. It demonstrates a desire to be close to Jesus and learn from Him. The scribe’s statement implies a commitment to accompany Jesus regardless of the challenges or uncertainty that may lie ahead.

Jesus’ Response:Jesus’ response to the scribe’s statement is recorded in the subsequent verses. Matthew 8:20-22 (KJV) says: “And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.”

In His response, Jesus clarifies the demands and sacrifices that come with being His disciple. He explains that following Him may involve hardship and a lack of material comforts. Jesus emphasizes the importance of putting Him first, even above family obligations and societal customs.