What did Jesus mean when he said “let the dead bury the dead?”
”Let the dead bury the dead” is a metaphor referring to non-believers. When Jesus spoke these words, he didn’t mean that he wanted dead people to bury other dead people. Instead, he used this as a metaphor to basically say, “Allow those who don’t believe, or who are spiritually “dead,” to worry about themselves.” This is a way of telling followers of Jesus to keep their priorities focused on Him.
”Let the dead bury the dead” refers to the need to follow Jesus immediately. When someone died back in Biblical times, burying them was usually a pretty urgent matter. But in the case of “let the dead bury the dead,” Jesus is urging his followers to forget about the happenings of everyday life here on earth—stepping up to join Him needs to be done not later, but right now. In other words, whatever God is calling you to do should be done without hesitation or interference.
Where does “let the dead bury the dead” come from?
”Let the dead bury the dead” is a passage from Luke 9:59-60. In this passage of the Bible, Jesus calls upon one man to become a preacher of the gospel. The man replies, “Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.” Jesus says in response, “Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:59-60). In this passage, Jesus is telling the man that living for Him is much more important than anything else in the man’s life—even if that’s burying his own father. ”Dead” is referring to those who are “spiritually dead,” meaning they haven’t chosen to follow Jesus. Jesus is essentially telling the man to let these people do their own thing. Some interpret the father in this passage to not actually be dead yet, but rather, his son wanting to be by his side until he does die so he can eventually bury him. Either way, the son is making an excuse as to why he can’t follow Jesus in that very moment.
How to Practice Letting the “Dead Bury the Dead”
Always put Jesus first. This passage of the Bible is all about teaching Christians that whatever God is calling them to do should come first. Just as Jesus urged the man not to worry about burying his father, it’s believed he is also urging all of his followers to put serving Jesus before friends, family, and whoever else they walk with on earth. If you feel a calling in your heart from the Lord, act upon it immediately. Whether you have to cancel Friday night plans or skip something you really wanted to do, this passage is a reminder that the work of Jesus is the most important part of a Christian’s life.
Let go of things that don’t serve the Lord. In Luke 9:59-60, the man was called upon by Jesus to forget about the burial of his own father in order to preach the gospel. In this case, the man was being asked not to do something that was very important to him. This passage asks Christians to do the same thing—let go of things you may love if it means putting Jesus first. In modern day life, putting others first is a great way to serve the Lord. Some ways to do that include: Giving up a free Saturday to volunteer at a shelter or feed the hungry. Sharing your God-given talents with the world--whether that's singing songs of worship or painting spiritual portraits. Forgiving others and always staying humble. Getting up early on a Sunday morning to go to church instead of sleeping in.
Make time for Jesus instead of making excuses. Some may think Jesus telling his disciple not to worry about burying his father is a bit harsh, but the bigger picture of this passage is about priorities and excuses. Many people make daily life and worldly things their focus, while making up excuses for why they can’t follow through with their duties as a Christian. Use “let the dead bury the dead” as a reminder to put your attention towards Jesus—even when you don’t always feel like it. Even if you're too tired to go to church on Sunday or would rather do something else, push through earthly problems to put Jesus first. If you have the choice to do something fun or do something that serves the Lord, always select the option that serves the Lord--fun can come later.
Offer all of yourself, not just a portion, to Jesus. “Let the dead bury the dead” is a phrase that reminds Christians to go into following Jesus wholeheartedly. In the Bible passage, the man tells Jesus that he wants to follow him, but he wants to take care of, or bury, his father first, and then he will come back to Jesus. Basically, the man was saying he wanted to follow Jesus, but on his own terms. Jesus then reminds him that he needs to give his entire life, not just a little bit of it, to Christ. Many people like to pick and choose how and when they will devote their time to Jesus. Instead of setting your own rules, follow the instructions that the Bible has already laid out for you.
Versions of “Let the Dead Bury the Dead”
Each version of the Bible translates “let the dead bury the dead” a bit differently. While each version holds the same metaphor and meaning, “let the dead bury the dead” is worded in its own way. Here’s some of the most common versions of the Bible and how they translate this passage: New International Version: “Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’” New Living Translation: “But Jesus told him, ‘Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.’” English Standard Version: “And Jesus said to him, ‘Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’” King James Bible: “Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.” New King James Version: “Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.’” New American Standard Bible: “But He said to him, ‘Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.’” Christian Standard Bible: “But he told him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.’” American Standard Version: “But he said unto him, Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but go thou and publish abroad the kingdom of God.” International Standard Version: “But he told him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead. But you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’” World English Bible: “But Jesus said to him, ‘Leave the dead to bury their own dead, but you go and announce God’s Kingdom.’” The Complete Jewish Bible: “Yeshua said, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead; you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God!’”
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