Luke 9:59 – “He said to another man, ‘Follow me.’ But he replied, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.'”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus calls another man to follow Him, but the man hesitates, saying he first needs to bury his father. At first glance, this may seem like a reasonable request. After all, caring for one’s family and honoring parents were important duties in Jewish culture. However, Jesus’ response (seen in the next verse) reveals that discipleship requires total commitment, even when good responsibilities or obligations compete for attention.
When the man says he needs to “bury” his father, some scholars believe this doesn’t necessarily mean the father had just died. The phrase may have been a way of saying that the man wanted to wait until his father’s death—whether soon or years away—before fully committing to following Jesus. In either case, Jesus’ call to “follow me” takes precedence over even important family obligations. Jesus is making it clear that following Him is an urgent matter that cannot be delayed.
Historical Context
In Jewish culture, honoring parents was a key commandment (Exodus 20:12). Burying one’s parents was considered a sacred duty, and failing to do so could bring shame to a family. However, Jesus’ call to follow Him often challenged cultural norms and traditional obligations. His mission was urgent, and He required His disciples to prioritize the kingdom of God over all other commitments.
At this point in His ministry, Jesus was traveling toward Jerusalem, where He would be crucified. Time was limited, and those who wanted to follow Him had to be ready to respond immediately. This is why Jesus places such a strong emphasis on the urgency of discipleship.
Theological Implications
- The Priority of Christ’s Call – Jesus’ call to follow Him takes precedence over all other commitments, even those that seem good or necessary. Discipleship means placing Jesus above family, work, and personal plans.
- The Urgency of Discipleship – Following Jesus is not something that can be delayed. The call to discipleship is immediate, and believers are invited to respond without hesitation.
- Trusting God with Life’s Responsibilities – Jesus’ call doesn’t mean neglecting family, but it does mean trusting God to provide and care for what we leave behind when we prioritize Him.
Literary Analysis
Luke structures this verse as part of a series of encounters where Jesus clarifies the cost of discipleship. The man’s response is polite and respectful—he even calls Jesus “Lord”—but his hesitation reveals that something else is competing for his attention. This moment highlights a common tension in discipleship: the struggle between earthly responsibilities and the demands of following Jesus.
The phrase “follow me” is a direct command, and it’s significant because Jesus doesn’t offer a negotiation or compromise. His call is clear and non-negotiable. The man’s request to delay reflects human nature’s tendency to prioritize worldly obligations over spiritual commitments.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 10:37 – “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me,” emphasizing the need to prioritize Jesus over family ties.
- Luke 14:26 – Jesus teaches that anyone who wants to be His disciple must be willing to “hate” (or prioritize less than Him) their family and even their own life.
- 1 Kings 19:19-21 – When Elijah calls Elisha to follow him, Elisha hesitates to say goodbye to his family. Elijah allows it, but Jesus’ call is more urgent and uncompromising.
- Mark 1:18-20 – The immediate response of the first disciples, who left their fishing nets and family to follow Jesus, serves as an example of the kind of commitment Jesus desires.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For modern believers, this verse challenges them to consider what might be holding them back from fully following Jesus. The man in the story wasn’t rejecting Jesus—he simply wanted to delay his commitment. Many Christians face the same temptation to put off discipleship until a “better” time, whether it’s after career goals are met, family responsibilities are fulfilled, or personal challenges are resolved.
This verse teaches that following Jesus requires immediate and wholehearted commitment. It doesn’t mean neglecting responsibilities, but it does mean being willing to put Jesus first, trusting that God will take care of everything else. When believers make Jesus their top priority, they are free to serve Him fully without being weighed down by competing obligations.
It also reminds Christians to trust God’s timing. Sometimes the things that seem most urgent or important are the very things that can become obstacles to faith. Discipleship involves trusting that God’s call is worth more than any earthly obligation.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His desire for people to follow Him wholeheartedly. His call to prioritize discipleship is not meant to be a burden but a blessing. By asking His followers to put Him first, God is inviting them into a relationship that is life-giving and eternal. His love is not about restricting their lives but freeing them from the things that can hold them back from experiencing the fullness of His purpose.
God’s love is also evident in His promise to care for His followers. When Jesus calls someone to leave behind obligations or comforts, He doesn’t leave them empty-handed. God provides for their needs and ensures that what they leave behind is in His hands.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is central to this verse as the one who calls people to follow Him. His authority is evident in the way He commands the man to prioritize discipleship over family obligations. This highlights Jesus’ identity as more than just a teacher or prophet—He is the Lord who has the right to call people into total devotion.
This moment also points to the ultimate example of sacrifice: Jesus’ own life. Jesus didn’t ask His followers to make sacrifices that He wasn’t willing to make Himself. He gave up everything, including His life, to fulfill God’s plan of salvation. His call to discipleship is a call to walk in His footsteps, embracing the same selflessness and commitment.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What responsibilities or obligations in your life might be causing you to delay fully committing to Jesus?
- How does Jesus’ call to “follow me” challenge your understanding of what it means to be a disciple?
- What steps can you take to prioritize Jesus over the things that compete for your attention?
- How can trusting God’s provision help you overcome the fear of leaving behind certain responsibilities or comforts?
- In what ways can Jesus’ example of sacrifice inspire you to respond to His call with greater commitment and urgency?