New Testament
Luke 9:59
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To another man he said, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, let me go home first and bury my father."
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And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
What Luke 9:59 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus calls a man to follow Him, but the man hesitates, asking to first bury his father. This response highlights the tension between earthly responsibilities and the call to discipleship. Jesus emphasizes that following Him requires prioritizing spiritual commitments over familial obligations. The man's request to delay his commitment reflects a common struggle: wanting to fulfill personal duties before fully engaging in a spiritual journey. Jesus' response, though not recorded in this verse, suggests that the call to follow Him is urgent and should take precedence over even the most significant life events. This interaction illustrates the radical nature of discipleship, where followers must be willing to leave behind their past and immediate concerns to embrace a new life in Christ. It challenges believers to evaluate their priorities and consider what might be holding them back from fully committing to their faith.
How to apply Luke 9:59 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own priorities. Are there things in our lives that we place above our commitment to follow Christ? It challenges us to consider how we can better align our daily choices with our spiritual calling, ensuring that we do not let earthly concerns hinder our relationship with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Setting Out for Jerusalem (Luke 9:51–62)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
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Keep studying Luke 9:59
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 9:59 mean?
In Luke 9:59, Jesus calls a man to follow Him, but the man hesitates, asking to bury his father first. This highlights the conflict between earthly responsibilities and the urgent call to discipleship.
What is the significance of burying one's father in Luke 9:59?
The request to bury his father symbolizes the man's attachment to family obligations, illustrating the challenge of prioritizing spiritual commitments over personal duties.
What does Jesus teach about priorities in Luke 9:59?
Jesus teaches that following Him requires placing spiritual commitments above all else, even significant life events like family obligations.
How does Luke 9:59 relate to discipleship?
This verse emphasizes that true discipleship involves a willingness to leave behind past concerns and fully commit to following Christ without delay.
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