Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 9:58

"And Jesus said unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven [have] nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." — Luke 9:58 (ASV)

Using the terminology of discipleship (“follow”), the first man amplifies it with a sweeping promise. Jesus’ reply is in accord with his prior definition of discipleship in v.23 and constitutes a comment on the man’s “wherever you go.” Since most people do have homes, “Son of Man” must refer specifically to Jesus. The idea of the rejection—if not his actual suffering—of the Son of Man is implied in Jesus’ words.