What is the meaning of Luke 9:60?

But Jesus told him

- Luke sets the scene: a would-be follower says, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father” (Luke 9:59). Jesus’ reply begins with “But,” signaling a gentle yet firm correction.

- Scripture consistently shows Jesus welcoming disciples, but He also confronts anything that delays obedience (Mark 1:17-18; John 1:43).

- Just as He spoke to the rich young ruler (Luke 18:22) or Peter by the sea (John 21:19), Jesus speaks directly, requiring immediate response.

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Let the dead bury their own dead

- Jesus is not dismissing family love; He is exposing divided loyalty.

• “Dead” in the first sense refers to the spiritually dead—those not yet awakened to Christ (Ephesians 2:1).

• The physically dead still need burial, but spiritually dead relatives can handle that task; they are occupied with earthly concerns (Matthew 6:31-32).

- Elijah allowed Elisha to say farewell to family (1 Kings 19:20-21), yet Jesus’ call is higher because the kingdom has now arrived (Luke 11:20).

- The statement echoes Matthew 10:37: “Anyone who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me.” Allegiance to Jesus outweighs even solemn cultural duties.

- Honoring parents remains God’s command (Exodus 20:12; 1 Timothy 5:8), but when a choice is forced, allegiance to the Lord comes first (Acts 5:29).

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You, however, go and proclaim the kingdom of God

- “You” is emphatic—Jesus personalizes the mission.

- The verb “go” recalls the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) and underscores action, not delay.

- “Proclaim the kingdom” defines the disciple’s primary occupation:

• Announcing the reign of God fulfilled in Christ (Mark 1:14-15).

• Testifying to repentance and forgiveness of sins (Luke 24:46-47).

• Living as salt and light so others see the reality of the kingdom (Matthew 5:13-16).

- Jesus entrusted this proclamation to ordinary people (Luke 10:1-3), showing that kingdom business ranks above even our most sacred cultural responsibilities.

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summary

Luke 9:60 teaches that Jesus’ call demands immediate, wholehearted obedience. Worldly duties, even worthy ones, must never eclipse the supreme task of spreading the gospel. The spiritually dead can handle earthly affairs; Christ’s followers are commissioned to announce His kingdom without hesitation or divided loyalty.