A man wanted to follow Jesus but first asked Jesus whether he could go and bury his father. Jesus responded, “…let the dead bury their own dead” (Matt. 8:22). But the dead cannot bury anyone. Why did Jesus say like that?

– Brian, United States

PR. GEORGY’S RESPONSE:

Jesus was not speaking about those who were physically dead, but about those who are spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1). Jesus insisted that the man follow Him (Luke 9:59f.). The man expressed his concern of taking care of his family first. So the question is, who comes first – Jesus Christ or one’s family. Jesus’ statement indicates the spiritual state of the man’s family. They were not believers, and the Bible says that those who are not believers in Jesus Christ are “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1, 5). Jesus was telling that man that his spiritually dead family should take care of the burial. Jesus wanted this man to follow Him. Christian discipleship calls for high commitment to Jesus.