Matthew 8:21
“And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.”
Context:This verse is part of a passage in Matthew where Jesus is calling people to follow Him.
In the preceding verses, Jesus encounters a scribe who offers to follow Him wherever He goes. Jesus responds by explaining the cost and commitment required to be His disciple, emphasizing that even the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head (Matthew 8:19-20).
In Matthew 8:21, another disciple approaches Jesus and asks for permission to go and bury his father before following Him. At first glance, this request may seem reasonable and respectful, as honoring one’s parents is an important value in Jewish culture. However, Jesus responds in verse 22 with a challenging statement: “But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.”
This response might appear harsh or insensitive, but Jesus is addressing a deeper spiritual truth. His statement is not an actual prohibition against honoring one’s earthly father or performing necessary burial rituals. Instead, Jesus is highlighting the urgency and priority of following Him and the calling to discipleship.
Here are a few key points we can draw from this passage:
The cost of discipleship:Jesus emphasizes that following Him requires wholehearted commitment. The disciple’s request to bury his father may indicate a delay or excuse for not fully dedicating himself to Jesus. Jesus wants His disciples to understand that nothing should take precedence over their commitment to Him.
The urgency of discipleship:Jesus’ response, “Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead,” emphasizes the immediacy of His call. He encourages the disciple to prioritize his relationship with Him over other obligations, even those that seem important.
Spiritual life versus spiritual death:When Jesus says, “Let the dead bury their dead,” He contrasts the spiritually dead with those who are alive in Him. He is referring to those who are consumed by worldly concerns and priorities, lacking the spiritual life that comes from following Him.
Overall, Matthew 8:21 reminds us of the radical commitment required to be a disciple of Jesus. It challenges us to examine our priorities, let go of earthly attachments, and respond to His call with wholehearted dedication.
