Matthew 8:21 - Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.”
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What does "Matthew 8:21" mean?
This verse from Matthew 8:21 presents a challenging and often debated teaching of Jesus. Here's a breakdown of its possible meanings and interpretations:
The Context:
Jesus is on the move, likely beginning his ministry in a new area.
He has already called one man to follow him, and that man readily agrees.
Now, another potential disciple makes a request.
The Literal Interpretation:
The man's request seems reasonable: he wants to bury his father, a traditional and culturally important obligation.
Jewish tradition and law placed high importance on honoring parents, including proper burial.
The Deeper Interpretations (and potential challenges):
Priority of Discipleship: Jesus is emphasizing that following him should be the absolute highest priority. Nothing, not even filial duties, should take precedence. The call to discipleship is urgent and demanding.
Not Necessarily a Literal Death: Some scholars believe the father might not have been literally dead or even near death. "Burying my father" could have been a euphemism for waiting until his father died to inherit his property and then be free to follow Jesus. This highlights the temptation to delay or put off discipleship for personal gain or comfort.
The Urgency of the Kingdom: Jesus' mission was about bringing the Kingdom of God. This required immediate action and a radical commitment. Delaying to fulfill earthly obligations, even important ones, could mean missing out on the opportunity to participate in God's work.
Symbolic Burial: Some interpret "bury the dead" as a metaphor for letting those spiritually dead (those who are not following Jesus) handle their own affairs. The follower's focus should be on spiritual life and spreading the gospel.
Not a Rejection of Family Obligations: It's important to note that Jesus is not necessarily advocating neglecting family. Instead, he's highlighting the paramount importance of discipleship. A modern interpretation might be: "Don't let anything, not even deeply personal responsibilities, prevent you from answering God's call."
Why This Verse is Challenging:
It seems harsh: It can sound like Jesus is dismissing a fundamental human duty.
It raises questions about balance: How do we balance our responsibilities to family, work, and other commitments with our commitment to Christ?
It requires discernment: How do we know when we're making excuses to avoid following Jesus, and when we're genuinely fulfilling legitimate obligations?
In conclusion:
The verse in Matthew 8:21 is not a simple instruction to neglect family. It's a provocative statement about the radical commitment required of those who choose to follow Jesus. It's about prioritizing the Kingdom of God and recognizing that nothing should stand in the way of answering God's call, even the most deeply ingrained societal and familial obligations. It pushes us to examine our own hearts and motives, and to ask ourselves what is truly holding us back from fully embracing discipleship.
Matthew 8:21 - Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.”
What does "Matthew 8:21" mean?
This verse from Matthew 8:21 presents a challenging and often debated teaching of Jesus. Here's a breakdown of its possible meanings and interpretations:
The Context:
Jesus is on the move, likely beginning his ministry in a new area.
He has already called one man to follow him, and that man readily agrees.
Now, another potential disciple makes a request.
The Literal Interpretation:
The man's request seems reasonable: he wants to bury his father, a traditional and culturally important obligation.
Jewish tradition and law placed high importance on honoring parents, including proper burial.
The Deeper Interpretations (and potential challenges):
Priority of Discipleship: Jesus is emphasizing that following him should be the absolute highest priority. Nothing, not even filial duties, should take precedence. The call to discipleship is urgent and demanding.
Not Necessarily a Literal Death: Some scholars believe the father might not have been literally dead or even near death. "Burying my father" could have been a euphemism for waiting until his father died to inherit his property and then be free to follow Jesus. This highlights the temptation to delay or put off discipleship for personal gain or comfort.
The Urgency of the Kingdom: Jesus' mission was about bringing the Kingdom of God. This required immediate action and a radical commitment. Delaying to fulfill earthly obligations, even important ones, could mean missing out on the opportunity to participate in God's work.
Symbolic Burial: Some interpret "bury the dead" as a metaphor for letting those spiritually dead (those who are not following Jesus) handle their own affairs. The follower's focus should be on spiritual life and spreading the gospel.
Not a Rejection of Family Obligations: It's important to note that Jesus is not necessarily advocating neglecting family. Instead, he's highlighting the paramount importance of discipleship. A modern interpretation might be: "Don't let anything, not even deeply personal responsibilities, prevent you from answering God's call."
Why This Verse is Challenging:
It seems harsh: It can sound like Jesus is dismissing a fundamental human duty.
It raises questions about balance: How do we balance our responsibilities to family, work, and other commitments with our commitment to Christ?
It requires discernment: How do we know when we're making excuses to avoid following Jesus, and when we're genuinely fulfilling legitimate obligations?
In conclusion:
The verse in Matthew 8:21 is not a simple instruction to neglect family. It's a provocative statement about the radical commitment required of those who choose to follow Jesus. It's about prioritizing the Kingdom of God and recognizing that nothing should stand in the way of answering God's call, even the most deeply ingrained societal and familial obligations. It pushes us to examine our own hearts and motives, and to ask ourselves what is truly holding us back from fully embracing discipleship.