Jesus’s encounter with three would-be followers indicates the stringency of discipleship (9:57–62). The first man is enthusiastic and pledges to follow Jesus anywhere (9:57). But Jesus responds by underlining the cost of following him (9:58). Even animals have a place to sleep, but Jesus experiences homelessness and rejection, as the preceding episode with the Samaritans shows. Jesus invites the second man to follow him (9:59). This man responds with a reasonable request. He wants to g…