{"id":52026,"date":"2019-09-02T22:52:35","date_gmt":"2019-09-02T19:52:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=52026"},"modified":"2025-07-03T17:17:26","modified_gmt":"2025-07-03T14:17:26","slug":"52026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2019\/09\/02\/52026\/","title":{"rendered":"What Did Jesus Mean by Saying, \u201cLet the Dead Bury Their Own Dead\u201d? (Matthew 8:21\u201322)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Answer:<\/strong><\/p>\n

To understand this powerful and somewhat shocking statement, we must first look at the historical and cultural context, then the spiritual implications of Jesus\u2019 words.<\/p>\n

1. Jewish Burial Customs: A Two-Stage Process<\/strong><\/p>\n

In first-century Jewish tradition, burial was not a single-day event. It involved two distinct stages: the initial burial and the secondary burial. The first burial involved washing the body, wrapping it in linen (John 19:40), and placing it in a tomb\u2014often a family tomb hewn from rock (cf. Matthew 27:60). These tombs were shared by extended families and featured shelves (called kokhim) where bodies were laid to decompose.<\/p>\n

After about a year, once the body had decomposed, family members would return to collect the bones and place them in an ossuary\u2014a stone box. This second stage symbolized a kind of \u201cfinal rest\u201d and a deeper connection to one\u2019s ancestors. That\u2019s why the Bible says of patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that they were \u201cgathered to their people\u201d (Genesis 49:29\u201333; Numbers 20:24)\u2014a phrase with both physical and spiritual meaning.<\/p>\n

So, when the man in Matthew 8:21 said, \u201cLet me first go and bury my father,\u201d he likely wasn\u2019t talking about a quick funeral. It could have implied a year-long process of mourning and family responsibility. He was, in essence, postponing his commitment to follow Christ.<\/p>\n

2. Jesus’ Call: Radical, Immediate Discipleship<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Another of the disciples said to him, \u2018Lord, let me first go and bury my father.\u2019 And Jesus said to him, \u2018Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.<\/em><\/p>\n

(Matthew 8:21\u201322, ESV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

At first glance, Jesus\u2019 response may seem harsh or disrespectful. But in reality, it reveals the urgency and priority of the Kingdom of God. Jesus calls His followers to put Him above all earthly obligations, even those as sacred as burying one\u2019s parent.<\/p>\n

This echoes Jesus\u2019 other words:<\/p>\n

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If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.<\/em><\/p>\n

(Luke 14:26, ESV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The word \u201chate\u201d here is not literal hatred, but a comparative term\u2014meaning that your love for Christ must be so great that all other loves look like hate in comparison. Obedience to Christ takes precedence over family, tradition, and cultural expectations.<\/p>\n

3. Who Are \u201cthe Dead\u201d in Jesus’ Statement?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jesus said, \u201cLet the dead bury their own dead.\u201d Clearly, physically dead people cannot bury anyone. So who was Jesus referring to?<\/p>\n

He was using the word \u201cdead\u201d in two different senses:<\/p>\n

Physically alive, but spiritually dead \u2013 those without spiritual life, those who are alienated from God (Ephesians 2:1: \u201cAnd you were dead in the trespasses and sins\u2026\u201d).<\/p>\n

Physically dead \u2013 those who have died naturally.<\/p>\n

In essence, Jesus was saying: \u201cLet those who are spiritually dead take care of the things of this world. But you\u2014called to eternal life\u2014must follow Me now.\u201d<\/p>\n

This aligns with Paul\u2019s teaching in Romans 8:6\u20138 (ESV):<\/p>\n

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For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace\u2026 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Following Jesus means stepping into spiritual life. Anyone outside of Christ remains spiritually dead, even if alive physically. When Jesus calls, He is summoning people from death to life (John 5:24).<\/p>\n

4. Salvation Starts Now, Not After Death<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many people postpone turning to Christ, thinking they\u2019ll have time later\u2014after retirement, after business succeeds, after family responsibilities settle. But the Bible is clear:<\/p>\n

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Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.<\/em><\/p>\n

(2 Corinthians 6:2, ESV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

We are not promised tomorrow. The call to salvation and service is urgent. That\u2019s why Jesus demands immediate response\u2014without hesitation or excuse. He said:<\/p>\n

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No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.<\/em><\/p>\n

(Luke 9:62, ESV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Just as Lot\u2019s wife perished because she looked back (Genesis 19:26), so too can we miss God\u2019s best if we\u2019re constantly glancing behind at the things we\u2019re unwilling to leave behind.<\/p>\n

5. True Discipleship Requires Sacrifice<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jesus doesn\u2019t promise an easy life for His followers\u2014but He promises eternal life. True Christianity is not about comfort\u2014it\u2019s about self-denial and full devotion.<\/p>\n

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If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.<\/em><\/p>\n

(Luke 9:23, ESV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

That cross is not just suffering\u2014it represents death to self, death to the world\u2019s approval, and surrender to Christ\u2019s Lordship.<\/p>\n

Conclusion:<\/strong> Let Go and Follow Jesus<\/p>\n

If Jesus is calling you\u2014whether to leave sin behind, abandon dishonest business, or surrender a worldly pursuit\u2014do not delay. Don\u2019t say, \u201cLet me first finish this,\u201d or \u201cAfter I handle that.\u201d Jesus must be first or not at all.<\/p>\n

God doesn’t take second place in our lives. He is King and Lord\u2014and our response must be immediate, total, and joyful.<\/p>\n

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Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.<\/em><\/p>\n

(Matthew 10:39, ESV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

May you have the courage to follow Him fully\u2014without hesitation, without excuses.<\/p>\n

Be blessed as you answer His call.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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