There was a man who desired to follow Jesus but according to Scripture requested a temporary reprieve. The common practice at that time was for the eldest son to honor his father in a customary Jewish rite of burial. But, this seemingly reasonable request would have put the traditions of man ahead of serving Christ ...
And another of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, 'Follow Me; and let the dead bury their dead'. Matthew 8:21-22
Jesus said that his family could take care of the burial. Apparently, they were nonbelievers and according to Ephesians 2:1,5 were considered 'dead in trespasses and sins'. Therefore ... the meaning of 'let the dead bury their dead' becomes clear in this passage.
And like this young man who shortchanged his commitment to Christ, there are those today who think themselves to be 'Christian' but have failed to count the cost.
Jesus gave us a serious and sobering statement concerning discipleship ...
He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it. Matthew 10:37-39
Though Scripture is clear that we are to honor our parents, Jesus Christ is to be our first priority ... always. The command, 'Follow Me' must be obeyed without reservation.
And a 'what's in it for me' mindset is contrary to that which God requires ...
Oswald Chambers - If we only give up something to God because we want more back, there is nothing of the Holy Spirit in our abandonment; it is miserable commercial self-interest. That we gain heaven, that we are delivered from sin, that we are made useful to God - these things never enter as considerations into real abandonment, which is a personal sovereign preference for Jesus Christ Himself.
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