Matthew 8:22 Meaning and Explanation
“But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus calls him to follow at once, leaving the dead to bury the dead.
What Does Matthew 8:22 Mean?
Jesus answers with a striking, almost startling word: 'Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.' The saying is not a dismissal of family duty in general but a vivid call to put the kingdom first, even above pressing earthly concerns.
The phrase distinguishes between those caught up in the ordinary cares of a passing world and those summoned to the life Christ brings. When He calls, the call is urgent and supreme; nothing may be allowed to displace it indefinitely. The demand is high because the One who makes it is Lord of life itself. To follow Jesus is to find a calling that reorders every other loyalty, and to discover that He is worth more than all we are asked to leave.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 8:22
What does Matthew 8:22 mean?
Jesus calls him to follow at once, leaving the dead to bury the dead.