Mark 6:7-13 and Luke 9:1-6
And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them. (Mark 6:11) I wonder what Jesus would say to us, today’s disciples if we are “not received” or “not heard” for our preaching. I doubt that we are to shake the dust from our feet. I think He would have us pray more earnestly for another opening, for the Holy Spirit to work in these unbelievers’ lives, for us to continue to minister in whatever ways we can. Jesus sent His disciples …to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. (Matthew 10:6) I wonder if we have a parallel in today’s world to Jesus’ “lost sheep”. Maybe those who have fallen away from the faith…? Maybe the completely “unchurched”…? Maybe a continuation to preach to the Jews today…? Or to the Buddhists, the Hindus, the Moslems…? There are a lot of lost sheep out there!
See also: May 8 / Mark 6:7-13; May 9 / Luke 9:1-6
Authority, isn’t it amazing how Jesus delegates? And in pairs? We aren’t supposed to go it alone.
I was wondering if, for the “lost of Israel,” our analogy might be nominal, hypocritical or Christians in name only, or those who have put “Christian” traditions and our own culture over God’s commandment of love God, love others?
To this group, Jesus sent the disciples on short-term mission, to take nothing, don’t make extensive preparations, and shake off the dust if they don’t listen.
Fred, the ones you identify would be our “gentiles”. And what you say definitely applies!
This must have been a daunting task for the apostles, even two by two. They certainly believe in Jesus, and have heard Him speak. But I would venture to guess that they, at best, have just a rudimentary understanding of what Jesus has been saying – probably still more questions than answers.
Jesus tells them to take no bread, no bag, no money, not even an extra shirt. He tells them to rely on others for food, but to take no payment of any kind. The apostles were no more ready for this than we would be, but they showed trust and got it done.
It reminds me there have been in the past two millennia, and still are, missionaries that brave unbelievable danger and hardship to spread the Word of God. They also simply Trust (Capital “T”). And to think it makes me nervous to say to a non-religious friend that I will say a prayer for him.