Being prepared is a good thing. When we head out on a vacation it is nice to know we have packed all we will need - toothbrush, plenty of clean clothes, swim suit, sunglasses, flashlight, etc. Some people pack light, just tossing a few things in their bag, while others make a careful list. In our Scripture today, we read of the twelve apostles as they prepare to set off on a mission trip. Let’s read the instructions that Jesus gives them.
Jesus and the disciples had just left Nazareth, where He had been rejected by His hometown. Jesus knew that His total time of ministry on earth, prior to His crucifixion, would only be a little over 3 years. In order to reach more towns throughout Galilee, He sent the Twelve out ahead of Him to minister to the people and bring the message of repentance. Prior to sending them out, Jesus had instructions for them. First, He gave directives about what they were not to take with (vs 8). Jesus didn’t want them to take a bag, something with which to carry extra supplies. They were not to to carry food with them, nor a wallet filled with money. Jesus did permit them to carry a staff or walking stick. They were also instructed to wear sandals, but not an additional change of clothes (vs 9).
Why send the apostles out on a mission assignment for several days or weeks with no food, money, or supplies? When I travel I want to be sure there is plenty of food and beverages for the road, as well as enough money and clothes. Jesus, however, wanted His followers to trust completely in God’s care, to depend on Him, and not in their own resources. When there would be a need for food, or if they would need something requiring money, Jesus wanted them to trust Him to supply that need. Jesus did allow the sturdy leather sandals of that day, along with walking staffs, so that His men would be able to keep going on the road and get His message out.
On this preaching assignment Jesus wanted them to go out in pairs (vs 7). They were going out as Jesus’s representatives into the villages of Israel. He didn’t want them to go it alone. Going out in pairs helps to strengthen and encourage each other, especially when faced with opposition.
When going into these villages the disciples were to carefully select where they would stay (vs 10). They would look around, see if there was a man who was open to the Lord. They would also pray and rely on the Lord to direct them to someone who would also be lead to offer them hospitality. This way they would stay in one place and focus on ministry.
Just like Jesus was not always well received, His disciples weren’t always either. He warns them ahead of time, and gives them instructions on what to do, and how to react when this happens (vs 11). Their instructions were to shake the dust off of their feet as they leave town. This visual gesture of shaking the dust off one’s shoes at the time of Jesus was a vivid action to show one’s separation from a place’s influence and practice. It was a complete renunciation of further fellowship with those who rejected them. These people weren’t just rejecting the disciples, they were rejecting Jesus, their Messiah. The people who rejected Jesus in those villages the disciples visited will face a fate worse than those who had divine judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah.
Listeners are responsible for what they hear and do with the message of the Gospel. The disciples were not to blame if the message was not received, nor are we if we faithfully and carefully deliver it. Just as Jesus sent forth the Twelve to bring the Gospel, He is sending us forth, as well. Trust God to provide our needs as we do His work. Also, do not lose heart when some do not receive our message. They have received their warning, and the Lord promises us our reward.
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