Transcript Slide 1
Julington Creek
NEWSLETTER
News about the collective work at the Julington Creek church of Christ
and updates on individuals and families.
Volume 2 Issue 24
July 7, 2013
“Let the Dead Bury The Dead”
And another of the disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.’ But Jesus
said to him, ‘Follow Me and allow the dead to bury their own dead.’ (Matt. 8:21-22)
Matthew, Mark and Luke all record this conversation between a would-be disciple and the Lord Jesus.
Having heard these words discussed by many present-day disciples, I’ve come to learn that an
acceptable interpretation of this passage does not come easily to us. Taken at face value, these words
of Jesus form one of the hardest mandates in all scripture. It is difficult for human beings to get the
message that Jesus will not take second place to even our dearest loved ones.
The man’s request to bury his father certainly sounds like a legitimate one to human ears. Based on
the fifth commandment in the Law of Moses, the burial of a parent was considered one of the highest
of family duties (1 Kgs. 19:19-21). Christ certainly knew that, yet gives no quarter in his request for
the man to “follow” Him. Many attempt to soften Jesus’ apparent severity by saying the father was
not yet dead and the son should live with and take care of him until his actual death. Afterward, they
say, he would be free to live his own life, which, in this case, would involve “following” Jesus.
We simply have a hard time understanding how following Christ would take precedence over the
closest of earthly ties and the responsibilities that inhere in those relationships. As Chumbley says,
“When Christ insists that a man choose Him over his earthly father, we don’t turn it down, we tone it
down (MATTHEW, p. 160). Yet, we must remember the admonition of Christ in Luke 14:26 where a
man must hate his mother, father, wife, children, brothers and sisters in order to be a disciple of His.
What we “amen” in principle, we balk at in practice! And, no wonder. This is tough stuff.
“Allow the dead to bury their dead” probably means “Let others tend to this obligation.” David Hill
says, “…those who have not found the life of the kingdom of God in Jesus can attend to matters of
burial,” (MATTHEW, p. 165). Discipleship to Jesus is not just another commitment Christians
squeeze into a long list of commitments; it is THE commitment. God will have it no other way.
The Lord’s invitation for this man to “follow” Him probably meant that Jesus wanted him to join the
group of close and committed disciples and work in spreading the word of salvation
Continued on back page
As Peter and Andrew immediately dropped their fishing gear to
follow Christ (Matt. 4:20), and as Matthew immediately left his tax
business to follow the Lord (Mark 2:14), Jesus wanted this man to
make the same commitment.
And, here’s the kicker, He wants YOU and ME to make the same
kind of commitment to Him. Will you follow Him TODAY?
dlf
BIBLE CLASSES:
SUNDAY AM CLASS:
Sunday: The Gospel of
Mark. Chapter 2. Teacher:
Denny.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE
CLASS: Course: “The Fruit
of the Spirit” – Joy.
Sick & confined
Darlene Alexander – Eye surgery.
C. V. Alexander .
Eddie Goff – Westminster, Alzheimer's center.
Nita McCain.
James Taylor – Pray for brother Jim’s overall health.
GROUP MEETINGS:
Group 2 is scheduled to
meet after evening
service. Everyone is
needed to participate in
this work.
SUNDAY SERMONS:
GOOD ADVICE!
AM – If The Foundations Are Destroyed
Find some good in everyone,
and perhaps everyone will
find some good in you.
Reading: Psalm 11:1-7
PM – Happiness (Part 2)
You cannot climb uphill by
thinking downhill thoughts.
CONTACT US
GATHERING TIMES
Julington Creek Church Of Christ
1630 State Road 13 N.
St. Johns, FL 32259
Phone: 904-230-3332
Or, Denny Freeman @ 904-703-2277
Email: [email protected]
Website: julingtoncreekchurchofchrist.net
SUNDAY
Bible Classes --------------- 9:30 AM
Morning Worship --------- 10:30 AM
Evening Worship ---------- 6:00 PM
WEDNESDAY
Bible Classes --------------- 7:00 PM
We love visitors!