As they were going along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head." To another he said, "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." But he said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home." Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."
Luke 9:57–62 (RSV)
The final battle has begun. Jesus has come down from the Transfiguration, setting His face to go to Jerusalem. Once there, He will lay His life on the line for the salvation of the world.
Jesus has set aside home and comfort. He has let go of everything, save His purpose for being in the world. He has no time to bury the dead as He must confront death itself. He has no time for farewells.
Jesus has already counted the cost of Jerusalem. With a determination born of His trust in the Father, will not turn aside from what lies before Him. He cannot afford any distractions, lest His heart fails the coming trial.
Jesus went to Jerusalem, there won our redemption. He surrendered all for the sake of those created in the Father's image. He placed His trust in His Father's love which is greater than death itself.
We have been entrusted with the message of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. We are engaged in the ongoing struggle against the darkness of unbelief. We have been called to give our witness to the world. Let us not be turned aside, instead follow He who, for our sake, went to Jerusalem.