Luke 9:61

And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

And {G1161} another {G2087} also {G2532} said {G2036}, Lord {G2962}, I will follow {G190} thee {G4671}; but {G1161} let {G2010} me {G3427} first {G4412} go bid them farewell {G657}, which are at home at {G1519} my {G3450} house {G3624}.

Yet another said, β€œI will follow you, sir, but first let me say good-by to the people at home.”

Still another said, β€œI will follow You, Lord; but first let me bid farewell to my family.”

And another also said, I will follow thee, Lord; but first suffer me to bid farewell to them that are at my house.

Commentary

Context of Luke 9:61

This verse is part of a significant section in Luke's Gospel (Luke 9:57-62) where Jesus encounters various individuals who express a desire to follow Him, each with a different condition or hesitation. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus has challenged two other potential disciples, one about having "no where to lay his head" (Luke 9:58) and another about the urgency of proclaiming the Kingdom, telling him to "let the dead bury their dead" (Luke 9:60). This third individual in Luke 9:61 presents a seemingly reasonable request: to bid farewell to his family. However, Jesus' subsequent response in Luke 9:62 reveals the deeper principle at stake concerning the absolute priority of the Kingdom of God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Conditional Discipleship: The individual expresses a desire to follow Jesus ("Lord, I will follow thee"), but immediately attaches a condition or a delay. This highlights a common human tendency to want to serve God on one's own terms rather than fully surrendering.
  • The Urgency of the Kingdom: Jesus' interactions in this passage consistently underscore the immediate and radical nature of His call. There is an urgency to Kingdom work that does not easily accommodate earthly delays or attachments.
  • Undivided Devotion: While saying goodbye to family seems natural, Jesus' teaching (especially in the following verse) implies that even legitimate family obligations should not hinder or delay one's total commitment to God's call. The Kingdom demands primary allegiance.
  • Priorities in Following Jesus: This verse, along with the others in the passage, challenges potential followers to examine their true priorities. What holds them back? What are they unwilling to leave behind or delay for the sake of the Gospel?

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "bid them farewell" comes from the Greek word apotassomai (ἀποτάσσομαι), which means "to take leave of," "to say goodbye," or "to formally separate oneself from." While it can simply mean a polite farewell, in this context, coupled with Jesus' strong response, it suggests a potential lingering attachment to one's former life or a desire to settle affairs before fully committing. It implies a 'looking back' rather than a 'looking forward' with complete focus.

Practical Application

Luke 9:61 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today about the nature of true discipleship:

  • Beware of Procrastination: We often have good intentions but delay our full commitment to God's call with seemingly reasonable excuses or "preparations." This verse challenges us to act with urgency when God calls.
  • Examine Your Priorities: What are the "farewells" we are reluctant to make? It could be comfort, security, certain relationships, or even good things that, when placed above God's call, become hindrances. True discipleship requires counting everything else as loss for Christ.
  • Radical Commitment: Following Jesus is not a casual endeavor. It demands a radical, undivided heart, ready to prioritize the Kingdom above all earthly ties, even family. While Jesus does not advocate neglecting family, He emphasizes that nothing should take precedence over our devotion to Him and His mission.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 19:20 (8 votes)

    And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and [then] I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?

  • Luke 14:26 (8 votes)

    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.

  • Luke 14:18 (8 votes)

    And they all with one [consent] began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.

  • Luke 14:20 (8 votes)

    And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.

  • Matthew 10:37 (4 votes)

    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.

  • Matthew 10:38 (4 votes)

    And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

  • Deuteronomy 33:9 (3 votes)

    Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children: for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant.