New Testament
Matthew 8:21
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Another disciple said to him, "Lord, let me go and bury my father first."
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And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
What Matthew 8:21 means
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
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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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David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
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.
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