[CYM] 45.0 Let the Dead Bury Their Own Dead

Yeshua’s statement “Let the dead bury their own dead” is one of His most striking and challenging teachings about discipleship. It appears in Matthew 8:21–22 and Luke 9:59–60.

In Matthew 8:21–22, a disciple says:

Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Yeshua said unto him, Follow Me; and let the dead bury their dead.

Similarly, in Luke 9:59–60, Yeshua calls another man to follow Him, who responds with the same request. Yeshua says:

Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Yeshua said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

This command is not a rejection of honoring parents or participating in funerals, but rather a radical call to prioritize the kingdom of God above all else—including culturally and emotionally important obligations. “The dead” likely refers metaphorically to those spiritually dead—those not committed to following Messiah—being left to handle earthly affairs.

The urgency of Yeshua’s mission means that there is no delay in the call to discipleship. Following Him demands immediate obedience, undivided loyalty, and a willingness to let go of everything, even social expectations and family ties when they conflict with God’s call.

Though Mark and John don’t include this exact phrase, they emphasize similar urgency (Mark 1:17–20; John 1:43), where Yeshua calls disciples who immediately leave their work and families.

Across the scripture, this command reminds us: the call to follow Yeshua surpasses all earthly attachments, and proclaiming the kingdom must take first place.