Before understanding this phrase, we first need to look at what was happening around Jesus.
Matthew 8 tells us that Jesus was surrounded by large crowds. People wanted to hear Him, follow Him, and witness His miracles. Then Jesus decided to cross to the other side of the lake.
At that moment, a teacher of the law came to Him and said:
“Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”
But Jesus replied:
“Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
What did Jesus mean?
He was saying that following Him would not always be easy or comfortable. Jesus wanted people to understand that following God was more than emotion, excitement, or beautiful words. It required sacrifice and commitment.
Then another man, one of the disciples, said to Jesus:
“Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
And Jesus answered:
“Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”
Matthew 8:21-22
Here is the important part:
Jesus had just been talking about the cost of following Him.
The problem was not the father.
The problem was the word “first.”
“First my plans.”
“First my life.”
“First my responsibilities.”
“Then I will follow You.”
That was the real issue.
Many Bible scholars believe the man’s father had not actually died yet. In that culture, the phrase “let me bury my father” was often a way of saying:
“Let me stay home, take care of my father until he dies someday, settle my family matters, and then I will follow You.”
In other words, the man wanted to follow Jesus… but not right now.
And Jesus answered strongly because He wanted to teach an eternal truth:
God cannot always be placed at the end of our priorities.
When Jesus said, “let the dead bury their own dead,” He was speaking about people who were spiritually dead. People alive physically, but living only for earthly things and not for God.
Jesus was saying:
“There are people focused only on temporary things. But if you have heard My call, do not keep postponing it.”
And this message is still alive today.
Many people want to get closer to God… but always later.
After making money.
After enjoying life.
After solving problems.
After leaving certain sins.
After they “have more time.”
Meanwhile, the heart slowly drifts away from God.
Jesus was not rejecting family. He was teaching priorities.
Because when God touches the heart, there comes a moment when we can no longer keep putting eternal things at the bottom of the list.
Let this reflection stay in your heart:
Life is full of urgent things, but very few things are eternal. And one of the most important decisions in life is deciding what place God truly has in your heart.
I invite you to join me in this prayer:
Lord, forgive me for the times I have left You for later. Help me understand that nothing in this world can fill the emptiness that only You can fill. Give me a willing heart to truly follow You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Somos Cristianos, connecting hearts with Christ.
