Scripture

But Jesus said to him, “Follow me now. Let the dead bury their own dead.”

Observation

Jesus arrives at Peter’s house to find that Peter’s mother- in- law is sick with a fever. He touches her and she is healed.

Many demonised people are brought to Jesus, and he casts out their demons and heals the sick.

One of the teachers of the law promises to follow Jesus wherever he goes. But Jesus says, “I have nowhere to lay my head.” To another who wants to bury his dead father He says, “Let the dead bury their own dead.”

Application

Jesus has a way of identifying the idols that stop us from following Him whole heartedly. To a rich young man whom He perceives is addicted to his possessions, He says, “Go and give it all to the poor.”

To this man who wants to bury His father, Jesus says “Following me is more important than family obligations. Let the dead bury their own dead.”

He is not suggesting that we neglect our families because Jesus is more important. That would be an obnoxious religion.

Jesus wants to make it clear that He has to have the number one priority in our lives. Anything else, even burying a dead parent, comes second.

Usually this is not an either- or choice. In most situations in life we order our priorities so that all the different things in our life have an order to them, and we are able to arrange our various responsibilities.

But we need to make sure that in everything in our lives, Jesus remains number one. When conflict arises between family, work, social obligations, and so on, our commitment to Jesus must override everything else.

Prayer

Lord, I acknowledge that you are my king. I hand all parts of my life to you to use as you wish. Amen.