“He [Jesus] said to another man, ‘Follow me.’ But the man replied, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:59-60 At first glance, this appears to be one of the most cruel and inhuman statements ever to be uttered by anyone, much less by Jesus. Could He really be against this man going to his own father’s funeral? Surely catching up with Jesus in a day or so wouldn’t be that bad–couldn’t he minister to his own family first? After a further look into Jewish culture, however, it appears our English rendition misses a little in the translation. After further investigation, it appears highly unlikely this young man’s father is dead, or that he’s even ill! It was generally an eldest son’s responsibility to remain with his mother and father until they passed on. For all we know, the young man could have waited another fifty years before being able to follow the Lord. Of course, only Jesus knew the man’s heart, but from all appearances, he looks to be handing God an excuse. And no matter how valid the excuse appears, it’s still an excuse. Following Jesus MUST take first priority in our lives… even over the disapproving chants of family members–no excuses! I think Jesus makes that perfectly clear. Don’t you? “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 19:29) In Christ, PastorJimKilby @Kilbin8er Jim@JamesKilby.com
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