How do we know that Jesus requires total commitment from His followers?

Jesus makes it clear that following Him is not a casual commitment. In Matthew 8:21-22, when a disciple asks to first bury his father, Jesus responds, 'Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.' This highlights the urgency and priority of following Jesus above all else, even above familial duties. The expectation is that His followers must be willing to prioritize their relationship with Him over any earthly ties, demonstrating that true disciples must put Christ first—showing that total commitment is non-negotiable in the life of a believer.