The phrase «Let the dead bury their own dead» is found in the Gospel of Matthew 8:22, in the New Testament of the Bible.
Matthew 8:22
But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
Matthew 8:22
What did Jesus mean when he said «Let the dead bury the dead»?
When Jesus said, «Let the dead bury their own dead,» He was sharing a deep and powerful message that’s all about priorities, especially when it comes to following Him. In the simplest of terms, Jesus is inviting us to think about what’s truly important in our lives. He’s not dismissing the sadness we feel when we lose someone or saying we shouldn’t care for our loved ones. Instead, He’s highlighting a call to a life that puts God first, above everything else, even during the toughest times.
Imagine you’re at a crossroads, and you have to choose which path to take. One path is comfortable, familiar, and pretty much what everyone else does. The other path is different; it’s about following Jesus, which might not always be the easiest choice. When Jesus talks about letting «the dead bury their own dead,» He’s pointing to this second path. He’s saying that to truly follow Him, we might have to make tough choices, choices that set us apart from what’s normally done or expected.
Now, think about what it means to be spiritually «alive» and spiritually «dead.» Those who are spiritually alive have their hearts and minds set on God and His ways. They seek to live by His truths and are moved by the things that move God’s heart. On the other hand, being spiritually «dead» means living without that connection to God, being caught up in the everyday stuff without much thought for the eternal or the spiritual.
So, when Jesus says to let the «dead» (those who aren’t spiritually awakened to God’s call) take care of their own, including the customs and expectations of society, He’s really encouraging us to live lives that are awake and attuned to God. It’s a bold call to not just go through the motions of life but to live with purpose, with our eyes fixed on God and our steps guided by His light.
This doesn’t mean we turn our backs on our families or our responsibilities. Jesus isn’t asking us to ignore our duties or the love we have for our people. What He is asking is for us to weigh our commitments and loves against the ultimate love and commitment we owe to God. It’s about finding a balance that honors God above all, even when it’s hard, even when it goes against what’s expected of us.
In essence, Jesus’ words are an invitation to a life of deeper meaning and purpose, a call to prioritize our spiritual journey and relationship with God. It’s about choosing a path that leads to true life, even if it means making sacrifices along the way. It’s a gentle but firm reminder that in the grand scheme of eternity, our highest loyalty and our deepest love should be directed towards God, leading us to live in a way that reflects His love and truth in everything we do.