TAT 138 Values
And another of the disciples said to him, “Lord permit me first to go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow me; and allow the dead to bury their own dead.” (Mat. 8:21–22)
That seems to be a pretty harsh statement from our Lord, especially since the burial/funeral ceremony was one of the most valued and respected activities in the Jewish religious society, much as it is in our society today. So what is going on and why would the Lord say such a brash thing? Let’s make some simple observations about this passage and perhaps it will bring some clarity.
The passage. Christ had given orders to depart to the other side of the sea. One of the disciples ask for permission to first go bury his father.
Some observations. To follow or not to follow. At this time in history, and in that disciples life, he had a choice, he could follow the Messiah and hear the Words of Life or he could participate in the good, approved of, activities of his society. Which activity the disciple chose is not stated.
Clarity. This appears to be a value system verse. The value of good, and proper, social behavior pitted against the value of an intimate relationship with the Messiah. Maybe the Lord was not being so brash after all.
The choices we make and the activities we take reveal what we value.