Lessons from the Gospel of Luke: Faith in Action

Read Luke 10

Most of us pass two or three churches on our way to our own church, and we can also turn on the radio or a podcast to hear Christian music or teaching.  However, about 7200 people groups have never heard the name of Jesus, so we haven’t done a very good job reaching them, even though Christ gave us all the instructions that we need, four of which we covered last week. Here are the remaining four.

• Jesus instructed them to look for a “man of peace.”  He wasn’t talking about a pacifist or someone who was not known for fighting.  He wanted them to look for someone open to receiving the message.  Missionaries still seek men and women of peace today—people who will open their hearts and minds to hearing the Gospel.

• They were also instructed to remain in the same house, rather than moving around from place to place.  Our human instinct is to always look for something better, be it a better room, a softer bed, or more appealing meals.  However, rejecting someone who has generously offered hospitality is offensive and will gain nothing but ill will.  It will also make it unlikely that the message will be received favorably.  Jesus wanted them to focus on the mission, not their own comforts.

• Jesus also told them to eat what is set before you.  Why?  Because in most cultures, the host will be humiliated and offended if his guests do not appreciate the food that he serves.  Today, missionaries often eat things that would be unheard of in our culture because the Gospel message is more important than their own satisfaction. I know that I did when I traveled to Southeast Asia.

• Finally, Jesus told them that if they were not welcome in a particular town, they were to make this announcement: “Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near” (Luke10:11, NIV84). That sounds like a harsh punishment simply because the town is not hospitable.  However, the mission is great, and many people need to hear the Gospel message.  If people aren’t willing to listen, we can’t waste valuable time on them when others may hear and respond to the message.

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19, 20), Christ’s last commandment, is for each of us.  The harvest is still plentiful, and the workers are still few.  Pray for God’s guidance as you seek your role in completing the mission.