Luke 9:60
Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
Luke 9:60 (KJV)
Context
Luke 9:57-62 records three encounters between Jesus and individuals who expressed their desire to follow Him. In this particular verse, a man tells Jesus that he will follow Him, but he first wants to bury his father. Jesus responds with the words in Luke 9:60.
Meaning
Jesus’ statement, “Let the dead bury their dead,” seems puzzling at first. However, it implies that the man’s concern for the physical burial of his father is less important than the urgency of preaching the kingdom of God. Jesus calls the man to prioritise the work of proclaiming the Gospel.
This verse carries a spiritual message about the importance of commitment and dedication to following Jesus. Jesus’ response reveals that there are two types of “dead” people: those who are physically dead and those who are spiritually dead, lacking a relationship with God. Jesus instructs the man to leave the task of burying the physically dead to those who are spiritually dead, emphasising that the work of preaching the kingdom of God takes precedence over worldly concerns.
The phrase “let the dead bury their dead” is a striking hyperbole that underscores the urgency and supreme priority of proclaiming the kingdom of God over even the most sacred family obligations. In Jewish culture, burying one’s father was a primary duty, and the man’s request may have been a delay tactic or a way to avoid immediate commitment. Jesus’ response indicates that following Him requires radical, immediate obedience and that the spiritually dead can handle the ordinary affairs of this world, while the disciple is called to a higher mission.
Biblical connections
The parallel passage in Matthew 8:22 contains the same saying, reinforcing its importance. The kingdom of God, as Jesus preached it, was at hand; the Gospel dispensation was being ushered in, and the Messiah’s kingdom was being established. To preach the kingdom means to publish the things concerning the kingdom of grace, which consists not in outward rites and ceremonies but in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, and to declare the things relating to the kingdom of glory and eternal life.
Application
Assessing priorities: Reflect on your own life and evaluate whether you are prioritising God’s kingdom. Are there areas where worldly concerns are overshadowing your commitment to the Gospel?
Prompt obedience: Consider how promptly and wholeheartedly you respond to God’s call in your life. Are you willing to leave behind personal desires and follow Him immediately?
Sharing the Gospel: Recognise the urgency of proclaiming the kingdom of God. Look for opportunities to share the Gospel with others and make it a central part of your life.
Reflection
The subsequent verse (Luke 9:62) about not looking back after putting one’s hand to the plow reinforces this theme of wholehearted, forward-looking commitment. Remember, studying the Bible is a continual process, and these insights serve as a starting point for your exploration of Luke 9:60. Further study, meditation, and prayer will deepen your understanding of this verse and its application to your life.
