It seems to be a simple statement.

“First let me go bury my father.”

The response seems simply abrupt.

“Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.”

This conversation between a disciple and Jesus is one that forces us to the commentaries. We can’t believe that Jesus would be that demanding on the day someone’s father died.

It would have to be right on the day, after all. Bodies are buried the same day as a person dies in the hot weather of Israel.

But maybe it wasn’t on the day, because we know that in the culture there was a time between burying and then reburying the bones.

But maybe it wasn’t even in that period, because there was a clear commandment to honor parents. Maybe this man’s father was ill, needing care. Or maybe this man was just wanting to wait.

I’m fascinated that we have no clue about the context. We have no clue whether or not the man had what seemed to be a good reason for his statement. All we know is that in response to what seems to be a perfectly reasonable request, Jesus said, “follow me.”

So I need to switch to the father’s perspective.

If my child says, “but who will take care of you?” I want to say, “follow Jesus.” If my child says, “but who will do the funeral?” I want to say, “follow Jesus.” If my child says, “but if I’m called across the country because that’s where God needs me, I might miss that holiday,” I want to say, “follow Jesus.”

Because as a dad, the last thing I want from my child is to hear them say, ‘Dad, I had to choose between following Jesus no matter what or you…and aren’t you glad? I picked you.”