What does "bury my father" symbolize in Matthew 8:21 for believers? Context Matters • Matthew 8:21–22: “Another of His disciples requested, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus told him, ‘Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.’” • Jesus is on the move after calming the storm; crowds are pressing in, and He has already warned that discipleship brings discomfort (v. 20). • Into that moment steps a would-be follower who wants permission to postpone following until after “burying” his father. What “Bury My Father” Could Mean in the First Century • Literal funeral rites: Jewish burials happened quickly, yet a year-long secondary burial of bones often followed. • Cultural obligation: Honoring father and mother (Exodus 20:12) was paramount; caring for aging parents was part of that honor. • Idiom for delaying: Many rabbis used “bury my father” to describe staying home until one’s parents had died—an indefinite postponement. Symbolic Significance for Believers Today 1. Priority of Jesus over every earthly tie • Luke 14:26: “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother … he cannot be My disciple.” • Allegiance to Christ must outrank even the most sacred family duties. 2. Urgency of obedience • 2 Corinthians 6:2: “Now is the day of salvation.” • Delayed obedience often becomes disobedience; “later” is not an option when Jesus says “follow.” 3. Break with the old life • Colossians 3:1–2: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” • “Bury my father” represents the pull of the familiar. Jesus calls us to leave the past and step into resurrection life. 4. Distinction between spiritual life and spiritual death • “Let the dead bury their own dead” signals that those still spiritually dead can handle civil obligations, while the living are summoned to kingdom work (Ephesians 2:1,5). Practical Take-Aways • Examine competing loyalties: work, family expectations, cultural norms—none may outrank Christ’s call. • Act when Jesus speaks: prompt obedience strengthens faith and keeps hearts tender. • Trust God with legitimate responsibilities: caring for family remains important, yet the Lord can provide other means while we obey His direct leading. • Live as those raised with Christ: our identity is not defined by past obligations but by present union with the Savior. Related Scriptural Echoes • 1 Kings 19:19-21—Elisha leaves family and livelihood immediately when Elijah throws the cloak over him. • Luke 9:59-62—Parallel passage reinforces urgency; the plowman must not look back. • Romans 12:1—Presenting bodies as living sacrifices underscores the total surrender Jesus seeks. In Summary “Bury my father” symbolizes every respectable, reasonable-sounding delay that keeps hearts from wholehearted, immediate pursuit of Jesus. The Lord’s reply presses believers to place Him first, respond without hesitation, and live as those truly alive in Him. |
    |