Another of Jesus’ followers said to him, “Lord, I will follow you too, but let me go and bury my father first.”
The choice to follow Jesus is a noble choice that comes with uncomfortable circumstances, as Jesus told one of the scribes who declared, “Teacher, I will follow You any place You go,” (v 19-20). Jesus’ answer to the man in our verse of the day may seem even more uncomfortable; however, knowing biblical culture is imperative in interpreting Jesus’ meaning for our understanding and application.
The disciple in our verse has priorities that are family-based and according to custom and the law; he is expected to play the part of the firstborn by honoring his parents (Exodus 20:12) and ensuring that they are well cared for and buried. The expression, “Let me go and bury my father first,” was a common figure of speech to indicate that he would wait for his father to pass away in order to receive his inheritance. Afterward, he would follow Jesus. His father had not yet died, so he wanted to wait until an unknown date before he could follow Jesus.
Beloved, what is holding you back from doing what you are called to do in the Kingdom of God? Culture can be a strong hold that derails us from what God has assigned us to do in this world. When we come to Jesus, a new culture is born from the Bible. Ephesians 2:10 says, “God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us new people so that we would spend our lives doing the good things he had already planned for us to do.” We must only avail ourselves, and the plan of God will unfold as we walk the journey of faith!
The second disciple had mixed priorities; it is good to honor our parents and what they have worked for, but not above God! Jesus is God, and our service to Him must take priority above all other relationships. We ought to honor God first before anything else.
God knows our needs, and He can take care of them (1 Peter 5:7); and He may not necessarily provide as we desire. He expects us to focus on serving Him wholeheartedly, and the rest will be His business to take care of (Matthew 6:33).
Following Jesus Christ is challenging, yet simple. He expects three things from us: self-denial, taking up His cross, and following Him (Matthew 16:24). We must give no excuses! In this new season, follow Jesus unreservedly and impact the lives of your community for God’s glory!
By Christopher Thetswe, Bible League International staff, South Africa
