A man wanted to follow Jesus but asked Him whether he could first go and bury his father. Jesus replied, “let the dead bury their own dead” (Matt. 8:22). The dead cannot bury anyone. What did Jesus mean by that statement?

– Solomon, India

DR. GEORGY’S RESPONSE:

Jesus was not referring to the physically dead, but He was speaking of the spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1). Jesus commanded the man to follow Him (Matt. 8:22). The man’s response indicated that he wished to take care of his family. Who should be given more priority – Jesus or family? The answer Jesus gives indicates the spiritual condition of that man’s family. They were not believers in Jesus, and the Bible says that those who are not Jesus’ disciples are “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1, 5). What Jesus meant was that his spiritually dead family should bury their physically dead. Jesus wanted this man to follow Him. This is the same reason why Jesus says on another occasion, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matt. 10:37). Christian discipleship demands absolute commitment to Jesus, and surrender to His lordship.