LET THE DEAD BURY THEIR OWN DEAD (LUKE 9:57-62)

Ullas Nair
6 days ago
3 min read

Introduction

Does this statement in Luke 9:57-62 stun us as weird? What does the Word actually mean? The Lord said in Luke 9:23-24, “If any man desires to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”

Counting the Cost

The Lord was, of course, teaching about what it would cost to follow him as a disciple. In Luke 14:25-28, Jesus implied that following Him means giving priority to God. Here, He expounds that even familial times should not take precedence over God. He does not expect us to ‘hate’ our father, mother, spouse and children, but love them LESS than loving God. ‘Seek ye first his kingdom’ comes to mind (Matthew 6:33).

Three individuals sought Jesus (Matthew 9:57-62)

The first man: “I will follow you wherever you go.”

Jesus warned him that following Him means making sacrifices, self-denial and suffering deprivation and that this person needs endurance when facing difficulties.

The second man: Jesus said ‘Follow me’

The reply of the second man may appear reasonable – “Lord suffer me go first and bury my father.” This man could be implying that after his father died and is no more, he will come and dedicate his life to Jesus. Just like some who say today, “I will dedicate my life after retirement, make money for savings first, but not now or after my children are grown up etc “ Perhaps the second man’s father had just died, or near death. If the father has just died or nearing death, it could still take some time for him to come and serve Jesus. There will be the inevitable delay. Many things can happen during this delayed coming. He may change his mind about following Jesus. Or in the modern world, the children may not graduate, we may fall sick, and you delay your retirement whatever, then what?

Jesus’ Answer:

“Let the dead bury their own dead”, but you go and preach the kingdom of God

Committing ourselves to following the Lord indeed comes with many sacrifices in order to acquire the imperishable crown in heaven. If you are the preacher on Sunday and it is your sermon, the congregation is waiting to hear, but you receive news that your loved one has just died, what would you do? Preach the word then go and fulfil your duties to the departed. Perhaps you and I who are in the audience, and the worship hour has begun, receive such news, would we also stand up and depart? Something to ponder.

No love, responsibility or service to man takes priority over God. Many who ought to serve God have prioritized sports, work, time, family, children and education over God. “I will serve God after……”

The third man: “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me bid farewell to them that are in my house.

He gave a condition for following the Lord.

Jesus’ Answer:

“No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Jesus did not and does not want our commitments to be conditional. “I wish to be baptized but……” We are either faithful or unfaithful. In John 6:66, some of his disciples “went back and walked with him no more.” They found His sayings not to their liking. Would we also do the same?

Conclusion

In our lifetime, we will face numerous challenges with regards to counting the cost of our discipleship; giving of our time, energy, money, family commitments, leisure, and talents etc. Living sacrificially will impact us from time to time. Proverbs 20:23 entreats us also not to make promises and vows we cannot keep. It says that the person may then regret and reconsider his vows. Luke 9:25 – You can gain the whole world but lose your soul.

Part of counting the cost means cross bearing daily. Luke 14:27 - “And whosoever does not bear his cross (individually) and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” Putting Jesus first means it may even cause friction and disagreements with our earthly family members, because we chose what’s right in the sight of God.