Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 8:19

"And there came a scribe, and said unto him, Teacher, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest." — Matthew 8:19 (ASV)

Matthew now includes two brief stories that help show the nature of Jesus’ ministry and the disciples he was seeking. Perhaps his imminent departure to the east side of the lake prompted certain people to beg him to include them in the circle of disciples going with him. Discipleship in the strict sense required close attachment to the master’s person. All people, including “teachers of the law,” divide around the absolute claims of Jesus and must be weighed according to their response to him.