Luke 9:59
To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus' call, "Follow me," isn't just an invitation, but a direct command that supersedes even the profound duty of burying one's father. The man's request to first bury his father reveals an assumption that he would go, not just that he might, showing how deep-seated his immediate obligations felt compared to Christ's call.
Jesus is responding to different potential followers along the road, some eager, some hesitant. Following the first man who impulsively declared his loyalty, Jesus directly calls another to leave his past life and join him immediately. This man, however, asks for a delay to fulfill a significant family duty, prompting Jesus' stark reply about the priority of his kingdom.
Understand the original words
kyrios · Greek Noun
A term of address signifying authority, reverence, and mastery. In the New Testament, it is used to acknowledge Jesus as both a teacher and the divine Lord to whom one owes absolute allegiance.
This interaction highlights the radical, all-encompassing nature of Jesus' call to discipleship, which often demanded prioritizing spiritual commitment over deeply ingrained cultural and familial obligations.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus starts his public ministry, calling disciples and traveling throughout Galilee and surrounding regions, teaching and performing miracles.
c. AD 27-30
Calling of Disciples
Jesus calls various individuals to follow him. Some respond immediately, while others have reservations or requests for delays.
c. AD 30
Journey Towards Jerusalem
Jesus and his disciples are on a journey, likely heading towards Jerusalem for the Passover, a time of intense religious and national significance.
This parallel account also shows a man wanting to bury his father, highlighting the tension between family obligations and immediate discipleship, even though Jesus' response differs slightly.
Luke 9:60Jesus' response here directly follows the request, showing the urgency of proclaiming the Kingdom of God, even over seemingly pressing family duties.
Luke 9:62This verse, immediately after the one about burying his father, speaks of looking back after putting one's hand to the plow, emphasizing that hesitation or distraction from the call disqualifies one for God's kingdom.
Deuteronomy 33:9This Old Testament passage commends those who 'neither regarded their fathers' or 'acknowledged their brothers,' showing a precedent for prioritizing God's covenant and commands above even close family ties.
Matthew 10:37Jesus states that whoever loves father or mother more than him is not worthy of him, reinforcing the radical priority of following Christ above all earthly relationships and duties.
bengelLuke 9:59: "And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father."
Luke 9:59 . Ἀπελθόντι , having departed [ i.e. to go and ]) The dative. Here the man takes for granted his departure , does not ask leave for it. A different Kind of departure ( ἀπελθὼν , “ go thou and preach”) is enjoined in Luke 9:60 .
calvinLuke 9:57-62: "And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest."
- And a scribe approaching said to him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou shalt go. 20. And Jesus saith to him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests: but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 21. And another of his disciples said to him, Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father. 22. And Jesus said to him, Fo…
Jesus' call, "Follow me," isn't just an invitation, but a direct command that supersedes even the profound duty of burying one's father. The man's request to first bury his father reveals an assumption that he would go, not just that he might, showing how deep-seated his immediate obligations felt compared to Christ's call.
Jesus is responding to different potential followers along the road, some eager, some hesitant. Following the first man who impulsively declared his loyalty, Jesus directly calls another to leave his past life and join him immediately. This man, however, asks for a delay to fulfill a significant family duty, prompting Jesus' stark reply about the priority of his kingdom.
Jesus is responding to different potential followers along the road, some eager, some hesitant. Following the first man who impulsively declared his loyalty, Jesus directly calls another to leave his past life and join him immediately. This man, however, asks for a delay to fulfill a significant family duty, prompting Jesus' stark reply about the priority of his kingdom.
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"To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”" — Jesus' call, "Follow me," isn't just an invitation, but a direct command that supersedes even the profound duty of burying one's father. The man's request to first bury his father reveals an assumpti…
