Leave the dead

Jesus’ call to discipleship sounds radical in all cultures. But in Japan, where loyalty to living family is rivaled as a virtue only by loyalty to deceased family, the call to put Christ above all human relationships is particularly challenging. The would-be disciple in today’s Bible verses asks to put his discipleship on hold so that he can first bury his father. It seems like a reasonable request, perhaps, but Jesus is firm: first, “follow me”.

At Obon Japanese are particularly expected to put family first. Expectations may be both cultural and religious, and it’s not always easy to draw the lines, especially when it comes to ohaka mairi.

The gospel message will always carry some offense. Even so, it’s vital that Japanese Christians find ways to honor their families that do not compromise their first loyalty to Christ. During Obon this is a key part of their witness as well as their life of discipleship. Following Jesus is never an excuse for neglecting family responsibilities (Matt. 15:3-6), nor is it necessarily a call to cut ties with unbelieving family members. The God of the Bible is one whose kindness, like that of his servant Boaz, “has not forsaken the living or the dead” (Ruth 2:20).

Bible Reading

Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.” And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him.

Matthew 8:12-23

Prayer Prompts

Let’s pray that brothers and sisters in Japan will be confident to show this kindness without compromise during Obon. And that they will faithfully follow where Jesus leads.

The ESV Bible. Crossway, 2001, www.esv.org/.