59 Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:59-60)
Many might find what Jesus says here offensive, as He did not care for the dead and those grieving their demise. That is not true, and would be a gross misrepresentation of Jesus (see Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus in John 11:17-37). The man Jesus called to follow Him said he would, but “first” he wanted to bury his father. A noble endeavor, yet one that drew attention to the priorities this man (and everyone since) must have to truly follow Jesus wherever He goes. Jesus commanded him to “go and preach the kingdom of God”, and that took precedence over everything else. Seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness calls us to live the priorities of our faith, not reduce their significance based on other important activities. Nothing is as important as following Jesus. What is most important to you; Your wants and desires, or following Jesus first?
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