New Testament
Luke 9:60
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus responds to a man who wants to delay following Him to bury his father.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Jesus told him, "Let the dead bury their own dead. You go and proclaim the kingdom of God."
Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus responds to a man who wants to delay following Him to bury his father. Jesus uses a strong metaphor, suggesting that those who are spiritually dead (unresponsive to God) can take care of their own. The call to follow Him and proclaim the kingdom of God is urgent and takes precedence over even the most significant social obligations. This statement emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual commitments over earthly concerns. Jesus is not dismissing the importance of family or mourning but is highlighting the urgency of spreading the message of God's kingdom. The call to discipleship requires a willingness to leave behind worldly ties and focus on the mission of sharing the gospel. This passage challenges believers to evaluate their priorities and consider what it means to truly follow Christ, even when it requires sacrifice or difficult choices.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 9:60 to your life
This verse encourages us to prioritize our commitment to God above all else. It challenges us to evaluate what might be holding us back from fully following Christ. We should seek to share the message of the kingdom actively, even when it requires difficult choices or sacrifices in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 9:60 mean?
In Luke 9:60, Jesus tells a man that those who are spiritually dead can handle their own burial needs. He emphasizes that following Him and spreading the message of God's kingdom is more urgent than any earthly obligation.
What is the meaning of 'let the dead bury their own dead' in Luke 9:60?
The phrase 'let the dead bury their own dead' suggests that those who are spiritually unresponsive can take care of their own matters. Jesus is highlighting the urgency of prioritizing spiritual commitments over social or familial duties.
How does Luke 9:60 relate to discipleship?
Luke 9:60 illustrates that true discipleship requires a willingness to leave behind worldly ties and focus on the mission of sharing God's kingdom. It challenges believers to evaluate their priorities in light of their commitment to Christ.
What themes are present in Luke 9:60?
Key themes in Luke 9:60 include discipleship, the urgency of the gospel, spiritual priorities, and the necessity of sacrifice. The verse encourages believers to consider what it means to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
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