Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 8:21

"And another of the disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father." — Matthew 8:21 (ASV)

And another of his disciples, etc. The word disciple properly signifies learner; and was given to his followers because they received him as their teacher (See Barnes on Matthew 5:1).

It does not necessarily mean that a disciple was a pious man, but only one of the multitude, who, for various causes, might attend his instructions (9:28).