“Let the Dead Bury their Dead.”
By E. S. W.
“And another of his disciples said unto him, Suffer me first to bury my father; but Jesus said unto him, Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.” Matt. viii, 21, 22. The person represented here, was one of Christ’s disciples. Clement of Alexandria tells us from an ancient tradition that it was Peter; at all events it was one who was called to preach the gospel of the kingdom; for Luke records in answer to the same question, “Let the dead bury their dead; but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.” It is not certain that his father was already dead, but, what is more probable, very aged and infirm, and his son desired to remain with, and care for, him in his old age, and finally close his eyes in death, and attend to his burial. The Saviour wished to impress upon his mind, and on the minds of his hearers, the importance of his mission and the priority of the claims of the gospel over every thing of a secular nature, even that of the claims of an aged parent upon his son for care and protection in his declining years. “Let the dead bury their dead.” Or, in other words, let those who are spiritually dead, attend to the burial of those who are literally dead. This is evidently the Saviour’s meaning. He refers to those who were not his followers, and who remaining at home, could attend to the care of the aged and infirm, and to the rites of sepulture for the dead. The unconverted are frequently spoken of in Scripture as being dead while living. A few references will be sufficient to prove this: “It was meet that we should make merry and be glad, for this thy brother was dead and is alive again.” Luke xv, 32. “And you hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and in sins.” Eph. ii, 1. “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” Eph. v, 14. “And you being dead in your sins.” Col. ii, 13. “But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.” 1 Tim. v, 6. E. S. W.