New Testament

Matthew 8:21

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, a disciple expresses a desire to follow Jesus but requests permission to first attend to his father's burial.

Author
Matthew the apostle
Written
Around AD 60-70
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Jewish Christians
CBTClear Bible Translation

Another disciple said to him, "Lord, let me go and bury my father first."

KJVKing James Version

And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, a disciple expresses a desire to follow Jesus but requests permission to first attend to his father's burial. This highlights the tension between personal obligations and the call to discipleship. Jesus' response, though not recorded in this verse, emphasizes the urgency and priority of following Him over traditional family duties. The disciple's request reflects a common human inclination to delay commitment to spiritual matters for worldly concerns. Jesus challenges this mindset, indicating that the call to follow Him requires immediate and complete dedication. This moment serves as a reminder that discipleship may demand sacrifices and that we should prioritize our spiritual journey over societal expectations or familial responsibilities. The call to follow Jesus is not just an invitation but a command that requires our full attention and commitment, often at the expense of our personal plans and desires.

How to apply Matthew 8:21 to your life

This verse encourages us to evaluate our priorities. Are we allowing personal obligations to delay our spiritual commitments? Following Jesus may require us to make difficult choices, but it is essential to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else.

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Matthew 8:21 mean?

Matthew 8:21 shows a disciple asking Jesus for permission to bury his father before following Him. This highlights the conflict between personal responsibilities and the urgency of discipleship.

What is the significance of burying one's father in Matthew 8:21?

Burying one's father was a significant family duty in Jewish culture, representing deep familial obligations. The disciple's request illustrates the struggle between societal expectations and the call to follow Jesus.

What does Jesus' response imply in Matthew 8:21?

Although Jesus' response is not recorded in this verse, it suggests that following Him requires immediate commitment, even at the cost of traditional family duties.

How does Matthew 8:21 relate to priorities in life?

This verse encourages individuals to assess their priorities, urging them to place their spiritual commitments above personal or familial obligations.

The Book of Matthew
Book Summary

The Book of Matthew

Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ

The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

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