Luke 9:59
“And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.”
Context:Luke 9:59 is part of a passage where Jesus is calling people to follow Him and become His disciples. In the previous verses, Jesus encounters three different individuals who express their willingness to follow Him. This verse specifically focuses on the response of one of those individuals.
Following Jesus:In this verse, Jesus invites someone to follow Him. The act of following Jesus implies complete commitment, surrender, and obedience to Him. It means being willing to prioritise Him above all else in one’s life.
Request to Bury Father:The individual who is invited to follow Jesus responds by asking for permission to first go and bury his father. On the surface, this may seem like a reasonable request. Burying one’s father was a significant responsibility and a cultural obligation during that time.
Potential Interpretations:a) Delayed Commitment: Some interpret the individual’s response as a hesitancy or delay in fully committing to follow Jesus. It implies that the person wants to fulfil his familial duties and responsibilities before fully dedicating himself to discipleship.
b) Figurative Meaning: Another perspective suggests that the phrase “bury my father” could be interpreted figuratively, symbolising the person’s desire to wait until his father passes away before following Jesus. It may reflect the individual’s reluctance to leave behind worldly attachments and step into a life of discipleship.
Jesus’ Response:In Luke 9:60, Jesus answers the individual by saying, “Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.” Jesus emphasises the urgency and priority of proclaiming the Kingdom of God. His response highlights the spiritual significance of following Him and spreading the message of salvation to others.
Lessons for Believers:a) Wholehearted Commitment: Jesus’ response underscores the importance of wholehearted commitment to Him. Following Jesus requires prioritising His mission and purpose above personal concerns or cultural obligations.
b) Urgency in Kingdom Work: The response of Jesus reminds believers of the urgency in sharing the Gospel and actively participating in God’s kingdom work. Proclaiming the good news should take precedence over other temporal matters.
It’s crucial to note that biblical interpretation may vary among individuals and denominations. It is beneficial to study the passage in its broader context and consult other reliable resources to gain a more comprehensive understanding.
