A Crisis of Values and Priorities
The brief encounters described in Luke 9:57-62 identify crises of values and priorities in the lives of three individuals Jesus met. From the Lord’s comment to each more is here than meets the eye. The first man apparently has made some assumptions as to what following Christ would be like. The latter two seem to be using their requests as delaying tactics, or as a means of avoiding discipleship altogether.
- A priority on comfort (vs. 57-58). The man says to Jesus, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.” But it seems, based on the Lord’s response, that there was a hidden qualifier in his offer. That he meant “if it seems to me to be pleasant and profitable.” The “scribe,” as Matthew 8:19 describes him, was concerned about his own material advantage and comfort.
- A priority on custom (vs. 59-60). “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” “Me first! What will others in my community think of me if I don’t follow the proper tradition?” There was, in ancient times (dating back even before Abraham’s day) a practice of secondary burial. A body was customarily laid out in a tomb for a year and allowed to decompose. Then the bones were taken and re-buried with those of other family members. If this is what is in view here, it could be the man is asking for a delay of months.
- A priority on companionship (vs. 61-62). “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid farewell to those who are in my house.” Another me first! And Jesus knows the man is “looking back” (vs. 62; cf. Lot’s wife, Gen. 19:26) with longing on the relationships and companionship he will have to relinquish to come with Him.