Matthew 8:18-22
Summary for Matt 8:18-22: 8:18-22 a Jesus confronted two would-be followers with what it truly means to follow him.8:19 b The teachers of religious law had a prestigious vocation of preserving, learning, and interpreting the Scriptures for the good of society. The way to God was thought to be through them (15:13-14 c; 23:13 d).
8:20 e Following Jesus is not easy; it involves more than intellectual mastery. Following Jesus entails being willing to forgo life’s normal comforts.
8:21 f Another of his disciples: This statement suggests that the teacher of 8:19 g was a disciple as well. Lord suggests a stronger commitment to Jesus.
• bury my father: This was one of the highest religious duties in Judaism, but Jesus requires total commitment to him.
8:22 h Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead: Jesus’ opponents would have misconstrued this instruction as blatant disregard for the fifth commandment to honor one’s parents (Exod 20:12 i), but in essence it is a restatement of the first commandment (Exod 20:1-3 j). It was warranted by Jesus’ messianic authority and the impact of the Kingdom upon normal human life, including family ties and commitments (see Matt 10:34-39 k; 12:46-50 l; 19:29 m; Zech 13:3 n; Luke 14:26-27 o).
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