What does Matthew 8:21 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 8:21 recounts a request from one of Jesus's disciples. The disciple asks Jesus for a delay in following Him, stating a need to bury his father first. This request seems reasonable, showing the disciple's desire to attend to family obligations before committing fully to Jesus' ministry.

However, it implies a postponement of discipleship until the time he deems suitable.

The deeper meanings behind the verse may suggest the necessity of immediate and total commitment to Jesus, implying that following Christ takes precedence over all other duties, even those as compelling as family obligations.

Historical Context

At the time of this writing, Jewish customs placed significant emphasis on the responsibility to honor one’s parents, and this included the proper burial rites for the deceased.

Therefore, the disciple’s request would have been culturally appropriate and expected.

The setting of the exchange likely took place during Jesus' Galilean ministry.

The context shows Jesus teaching about the cost of discipleship and the urgency of the Kingdom of God, which often challenged traditional expectations and cultural norms.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints consider this verse within the context of Jesus’ call to discipleship.

From a traditional Christian perspective, the verse may emphasize the immediacy and absolute nature of Jesus' call.

Some theologians suggest that true discipleship requires a radical reordering of one’s priorities, with the kingdom of God taking preeminence above all. Another interpretation could be that life and serving Christ should not be postponed for earthly matters, however important they might appear.

Practical Applications

In contemporary terms, this verse can inspire believers to evaluate their own priorities and commitments.

It suggests that followers of Christ must be willing to place their spiritual obligations above social, familial, and personal plans when necessary.

It also serves as a challenge to consider what might be holding us back from fully committing to a course of action that aligns with our faith and values.

Cross-References

• Luke 9:59-60: "And he said unto another, Follow me.

But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God."

• Luke 14:26: "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple."
• Philippians 3:7-8: "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the term used for "bury" is "θάπτω" (thaptō), which implies to inter a deceased body, honoring it through burial.

"Suffer me first" can be interpreted as a respectful request for permission, evidencing the disciple's understanding of the cost of discipleship yet seeking to prioritize his personal duty.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The act of burying one's father can be compared to filial piety found in Confucianism, which emphasizes the virtue of reverence and respect for family, especially one's parents.

In many cultures and religions, burial rites are considered a sacred duty, and failure to perform them is seen as highly dishonorable.

Jesus’ response highlights a departure from solely following cultural customs, instead focusing on the needs of the spiritual community.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with scientific concepts, the practices of burial and funerary rites are subjects of anthropological and sociological study.

These studies often illuminate the importance of such customs within various cultures and their impact on social structures and individual behavior.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various perspectives on this verse.

Some, like John Calvin, suggest that Jesus' response exposes the excuses people make to avoid immediate obedience to God.

Others, such as William Barclay, argue that the disciple’s father might not have been dead yet; his request could be seen as putting off following Jesus indefinitely.

Commentary often points to the overarching theme in this passage of prioritizing one's spiritual journey and commitment to Christ above all else.