To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The man's request to bury his father, while seemingly a natural duty, subtly reveals a deeper hesitation. He asks permission to go and bury, implying he sees this as a necessary final act for his father, but the phrasing suggests he expects his own departure for discipleship to happen afterward, not that he would leave to bury.
To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is encountering people who express interest in following him, but their commitment is being tested. One man eagerly offers to follow Jesus anywhere, only to be warned about the hardships ahead. Then, Jesus calls another man, who, while willing, asks for a delay to fulfill a significant family duty.
Jesus' invitation to follow him wasn't a suggestion; it was a summons to a radical new life. But what happens when immediate duty calls?
Jesus calls this man with a simple, direct command: 'Follow me.' This isn't just about joining a group; it's a call to a complete life change, mirroring his own itinerant ministry.
Jesus' response to the man's request seems harsh, even shocking. What did He mean by letting 'the dead bury their dead'?
When the man asks to bury his father, Jesus’ reply, 'Let the dead bury their dead,' is a powerful metaphor. It's not that he doesn't care about honoring his father; it's about understanding spiritual priorities.
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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 happens as Jesus is actively building his core team. The urgency of his mission means that even deeply felt family obligations, like burying a father, must sometimes take a backseat to the divine call.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, gathering disciples and calling people to follow him and the Kingdom of God.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus Calls Disciples
Jesus actively recruits followers, including the twelve apostles, to spread his message. This period involves numerous interactions and teachings.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry, his death and resurrection form the central event of the Christian faith.
c. AD 30-60
Early Church Growth
Following Jesus' ascension, the early church, including many of his disciples, spreads the gospel message throughout the Roman Empire.
This passage from Matthew presents a similar scenario, though with a slightly different nuance, highlighting the tension between family duties and Christ's call for immediate discipleship.
Luke 9:60This verse immediately follows, showing Jesus' response to the man's request and the specific mission he was being called to, which was to proclaim the Kingdom of God.
Luke 9:61This verse introduces another individual seeking to follow Jesus, but with a different hesitation (saying farewell to his household), illustrating a spectrum of responses to Christ's call.
Deuteronomy 33:9This Old Testament passage speaks of those who showed great devotion to God, even prioritizing Him above their own family ties, which provides an ancient precedent for the radical commitment Jesus demands.
1 Kings 19:20Here, Elisha is called by Elijah and asks for a brief delay to say farewell to his family, which parallels the request in Luke, showing this theme of immediate calling versus familial obligations appearing in different biblical eras.
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…
The man's request to bury his father, while seemingly a natural duty, subtly reveals a deeper hesitation. He asks permission to go and bury, implying he sees this as a necessary final act for his father, but the phrasing suggests he expects his own departure for discipleship to happen afterward, not that he would leave to bury.
Jesus is encountering people who express interest in following him, but their commitment is being tested. One man eagerly offers to follow Jesus anywhere, only to be warned about the hardships ahead. Then, Jesus calls another man, who, while willing, asks for a delay to fulfill a significant family duty.
Jesus is encountering people who express interest in following him, but their commitment is being tested. One man eagerly offers to follow Jesus anywhere, only to be warned about the hardships ahead. Then, Jesus calls another man, who, while willing, asks for a delay to fulfill a significant family duty.
"To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”" — The man's request to bury his father, while seemingly a natural duty, subtly reveals a deeper hesitation. He asks permission to go and bury, implying he sees this as a necessary final act for his fat…
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Last reviewed October 2026