← Back
0

How can "the dead bury their own dead" as Jesus said?

See also Luke 9:60 New International Version
Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.

Matthew 8:22

ESV - 22 And Jesus said to him, "Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.

Clarify Share Report Asked March 07 2021 My picture Jack Gutknecht

Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.

4
Mini Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army
Jesus made this comment to a man who ostensibly wanted to follow Him as His disciple, but who wanted to wait to do so until after his father had died and been buried. (In other words, he apparently gave greater weight to his perceived obligations to his father than to being Christ's follower.)

In telling the man to let the dead bury their own dead, Jesus was seeking to correct those misplaced priorities by saying that only those who were spiritually dead would attach a higher importance to such concerns (even when those concerns were related to one as close as one's father) than to following Him, and to receiving the eternal life that only He could provide.

March 07 2021 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


Add your Answer

All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.

What makes a good answer? ▼

A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.

  1. Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
  2. Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
  3. Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
  4. Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
  5. For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible
Header
  1. 4000 characters remaining