Luke 9:59

Analysis & Commentary

And he said unto another, Follow me (Ἀκολούθει μοι, Akolouthei moi)—Jesus takes the initiative, issuing a direct, authoritative summons. This disciple doesn't volunteer; he's called. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father (ἐπίτρεψόν μοι πρῶτον ἀπελθόντα θάψαι τὸν πατέρα μου, epitrepson moi prōton apelthonta thapsai ton patera mou)—the request appears reasonable, even pious. Jewish law and custom made burying parents a sacred duty (Tobit 4:3-4), one of the highest expressions of filial piety.

The phrase suffer me first (ἐπίτρεψόν μοι πρῶτον) is crucial. The man doesn't refuse Jesus; he requests delay—'let me do this first, then I'll follow.' But any 'first' before following Christ is idolatry. The man may be asking to wait for his father's death (which could be years away), honoring family obligations before discipleship. Or his father has just died and burial rites will take days. Either way, Jesus's response (9:60) treats the delay as disqualifying. Kingdom urgency permits no competing priorities, even legitimate ones.

Historical Context

First-century Jewish burial customs required immediate interment (usually within 24 hours) followed by secondary burial of bones after decomposition (about one year). Family obligations were sacrosanct—the Fifth Commandment required honoring parents, and burial was considered the ultimate expression. Jesus's seemingly harsh response must be understood against this cultural backdrop, where He demands priority even over Torah-mandated family duties, claiming authority greater than Moses.

Questions for Reflection

• What 'reasonable' or even 'righteous' delays are you placing before obedience to Christ's call, and how does this man's example expose the danger of 'first' letting you do something else?
• How does Jesus's demand for immediate response challenge modern discipleship that treats following Christ as compatible with pursuing career, comfort, or family plans first, with kingdom service deferred to later?