Ask a Pastor Column

Q: What does Jesus mean in Matthew 8:18-22 when He tells his disciple to follow Him and let the dead bury their own dead?

A: Great job finding and listing the context surrounding the verse you’re asking about! Jesus’ words to a would-be disciple to “let the dead bury their own dead” are included in a set of responses to those who expressed a willingness to follow Him (Luke lists a third interaction in his account; Luke 9:57-62). Taken together, these conversations present information to the reader about where Christ expects to be placed upon our priority list. His comment about foxes and birds...