What does Luke 9:61 mean?

Explanation

Luke 9:61 presents a potential follower of Jesus expressing their intention to follow him but first asking to say goodbye to their family.

The verse highlights a moment of decision, wherein the individual seems to want to maintain a connection or fulfill an obligation to their household before committing fully to Jesus’ call.

On a literal level, it is a simple request stemming from social customs of the time, a polite farewell to one's family.

On a deeper level, the verse raises questions about priorities, commitment, and the cost of discipleship.

It suggests that following Jesus may require immediate and total commitment, potentially leaving behind previous life obligations or delaying personal matters.

Historical Context

This verse is part of the Gospel of Luke, written to convey the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel was likely written between AD 80 and 110.

During this time, the early Christian community was struggling with the demands of discipleship and the cost of following Jesus.

Family ties were strong in the Jewish culture, and leaving one's family to follow a religious teacher would have been a significant and often difficult decision.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse touches on the notion of unconditional discipleship. In Christian theology, Jesus is often portrayed as calling his followers to a commitment that transcends all other obligations.

Some interpret this as a demonstration that the kingdom of God should take precedence over familial or societal duties. Others may view it as a warning about the distractions and ties that can prevent a person from wholeheartedly pursuing their spiritual journey.

Practical Applications

The teachings of Luke 9:61 can be applied in daily life by contemplating the priorities that govern one's actions and decisions. It invites individuals to consider what they may need to leave behind or give up in order to fully commit to their faith or principles.

The verse also serves as a challenge to reflect on the immediacy and seriousness with which one approaches their obligations, be they spiritual or otherwise.

Cross-References

• Matthew 8:21-22: "And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead."

• Matthew 10:37: "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."
• Luke 14:26: "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple."

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Greek text is “ἀποτάξασθαι τοῖς εἰς τὸν οἶκόν μου” (apotaxasthai tois eis ton oikon mou), which translates as "bid them farewell, which are at home at my house." "ἀποτάξασθαι" (apotaxasthai) is derived from "ἀποτάσσομαι," meaning to say farewell or take leave of, indicating a formal or definitive departure.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, including Greek, Roman, and Jewish cultures, family holds a central place in society.

The act of leaving one's family for a religious or philosophical cause was significant and often seen as radical.

This can be compared to various other religious traditions where the renouncement of familial ties is seen as a step towards spiritual enlightenment, such as in certain strands of Buddhism or Hinduism, where individuals sometimes leave their homes to become monastics or sannyasis.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology might analyze the verse through the lens of commitment and the challenges that come with life-changing decisions.

Cognitive dissonance theory might suggest that the individual is attempting to balance their present familial obligations with the new call to discipleship.

Decision-making processes and the associated stress or anxiety about impending life changes can also be relevant when considering the implications of the verse.

commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this verse.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary sees the request to say farewell as an excuse, indicative of a divided heart.

The Expositor's Greek Testament highlights the difference between the requests in Luke 9:61 and the earlier verse where a potential disciple asks to bury his father, suggesting that the former may be less serious.

John Calvin considered the request as expressing too much concern for worldly matters when immediate attention to Christ's kingdom was needed.

Contemporary biblical scholars often analyze this and similar verses within the context of the cost of discipleship and the tension between earthly and divine calls.