He
said to another, “Follow me!”
But he said, “Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.”
But Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead, but you go and announce God’s Kingdom.”
Luke 9:59-60
Luke 9 [55.] But he turned and rebuked them, “You don’t know of what kind of spirit you are. For the Son of Man didn’t come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.”
They went to another village. As they went on the way, a certain man said to him, “I want to follow you wherever you go, Lord.”
Luke 9 [58.] Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
Luke 9 [59.] He said to another, “Follow me!”
But he said, “Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.”
Luke 9 [60.] But Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead, but you go and announce God’s Kingdom.”
Luke 9 [61.] Another also said, “I want to follow you, Lord, but first allow me to say good-bye to those who are at my house.”
Luke 9 [62.] But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for God’s Kingdom.”
Meaning:
In these verses, Jesus issues a call to discipleship to an unnamed individual. The man's response seems reasonable—he asks for permission to first go and bury his father, indicating a familial obligation. However, Jesus' response appears surprisingly abrupt and unsympathetic. He instructs the man to "leave the dead to bury their own dead" and to prioritize the proclamation of God's Kingdom instead.
At first glance, Jesus' response may seem harsh or insensitive. However, when understood in context, His words carry profound spiritual significance. Jesus is not dismissing the importance of honoring one's family or fulfilling cultural obligations. Rather, He is highlighting the urgent and transformative nature of His mission.
Jesus' call to discipleship is a call to radical commitment and prioritization. It demands unwavering devotion and single-minded focus on the advancement of God's Kingdom. In this instance, Jesus emphasizes the immediacy of the call to discipleship, urging the man to leave behind earthly concerns and to prioritize the proclamation of the Gospel above all else.
This passage challenges us to examine our own priorities and commitments in light of our discipleship to Christ. Are we willing to prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all other obligations and desires? Are we willing to sacrifice our own comfort and convenience for the sake of His Kingdom?
One cross-reference that sheds light on the significance of Luke 9:59-60 is found in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus declares, "But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." This passage echoes the theme of prioritizing the Kingdom of God above all else. It reminds us that when we seek God's Kingdom first, everything else falls into its proper place.
Another cross-reference that enhances our understanding of Luke 9:59-60 is found in Luke 14:26, where Jesus says, "If anyone comes to me and doesn’t disregard his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he can’t be my disciple." This passage reinforces the radical nature of discipleship, which requires a willingness to forsake even the closest of relationships for the sake of following Jesus wholeheartedly.
As we reflect on Luke 9:59-60, we are challenged to consider the cost of discipleship and the extent of our commitment to Jesus Christ. Are we willing to prioritize His Kingdom above all else, even if it means leaving behind familiar comforts and obligations? Are we willing to embrace the radical call to follow Jesus wherever He may lead?
In conclusion, Luke 9:59-60 presents a challenging yet profound message about the cost of discipleship and the priority of God's Kingdom. It calls us to reevaluate our priorities and to make a radical commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. As we heed His call, may we find true fulfillment and purpose in proclaiming the Gospel and advancing God's Kingdom in our lives and in the world.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible