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Answer. Jesus said, “Let the dead bury the dead,” in response to a disciple who wanted to spend time at home before committing himself to the Lord. Jesus said, “‘Follow me.’. But the man replied, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’.
Luke 9:60. New International Version. 60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”. Read full chapter. Luke 9:60 in all English translations.
That’s why Jesus said let the dead bury their own dead. Let those who are spiritually dead or who have no desire to follow me be consumed with the affairs and cares of this life. They can bury those who are physically dead.
Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version. Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”. New Living Translation. But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.”.
One day Jesus invited a man to follow Him and become His disciple—but the man refused. He said he would follow Jesus later, but first he wanted to go bury his father. Jesus responded, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead” (Matthew 8:22). What did He mean by this?
Jesus tells the man to let the spiritually dead bury those who are physically dead. In other words, only those who follow Christ are on the road to true life (Matthew 7:13–14). No human relationship or other obligation can provide a good enough reason to leave that road behind.
Jesus' play on words most likely means that the spiritually dead—those who refuse to follow Him—can bury the physically dead; in this case, the spiritually living—the disciple—has more important things to do.
