Matthew 8:21,22 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

And another—said, &c.— The answer of this disciple supposes that our Saviour had ordered him to follow him. See Luke 9:59. It is uncertain whether this disciple's father was just dead, or whether, as being very old, his son desired leave to stay with him till his death. Christ's answer seems to take it for granted that he was already dead. Let the dead bury their dead: "Let those who are themselves spiritually dead perform the rites of funeral; yea, let the dead remain unburied, rather than disobey my word, when I give thee so great a commission."