1He called his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to throw them out and to heal every disease and every sickness. 2 Here are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, who is called Peter; and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee; and John his brother; 3 Philip; and Bartholomew; Thomas; and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananaean; and Judas, who betrayed Jesus.
5 Jesus sent these twelve out and commanded them, “Don’t go among the Gentiles or into a Samaritan city. 6 Go instead to the lost sheep, the people of Israel. 7 As you go, make this announcement: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with skin diseases, and throw out demons. You received without having to pay. Therefore, give without demanding payment. 9 Workers deserve to be fed, so don’t gather gold or silver or copper coins for your money belts to take on your trips. 10 Don’t take a backpack for the road or two shirts or sandals or a walking stick. 11 Whatever city or village you go into, find somebody in it who is worthy and stay there until you go on your way. 12 When you go into a house, say, ‘Peace!’ 13 If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if the house isn’t worthy, take back your blessing. 14 If anyone refuses to welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet as you leave that house or city. 15 I assure you that it will be more bearable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on Judgment Day than it will be for that city.
Reflection
The way I read today’s passage it seems to me that immediately after being called by Jesus, the twelve disciples are sent out to the mission field. Their mission was urgent and they didn’t have time to waste. Their mission was also not easy. Not only were they to proclaim the news that the kingdom of heaven has come near, but they were also sent to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with skin diseases, and throw out demons! It doesn’t seem like they were given any training on how they were to do this, but I guess when you are given authority by Jesus, how much training do you really need?
Not only are the disciples quickly sent on their missions, but Jesus instructs them that they shouldn’t gather any money for their trip nor should they worry about packing. They were sent with just the clothes on their backs and sandals on their feet. Even though they were given authority by Jesus to do this work, Jesus warns them that they will at times fail and face rejection. But Jesus tells them not to waste time worrying about failure or being rejected, he tells them to “shake the dust off their feet,” leave that place and keep moving forward.
As I reflect on the disciples calling and how they were thrown into action, I can’t help but think that some, if not all, of them had to be nervous about what they were getting themselves into and were maybe reconsidering their calling. I know I would be. However, as Pastor Joe discussed in his sermon this past Sunday, we can’t let the fear of failure stop us from doing what God has called us to do. If we commit ourselves to truly following God’s direction in our lives, while we may at times make mistakes and face trials, ultimately, we will succeed. As Jesus instructed the disciples, we should not waste time worrying about failing or facing rejection these things will happened, and when they do we need to “shake the dust off our feet” and keep moving forward, God promises to be with us.
by Manny Estevez
For Pondering and Prayer
We are all a part of the “Priesthood of Believers” and therefore God has equipped each of us with unique talents, gifts, and experiences, that can be used to further God’s kingdom in this world. So, what is God calling you to do during this season of your life? Are you paying attention to God’s call or is the fear of failure holding you back?
Prayer: God of all love and grace, may we have the ears to hear and eyes to see how you are calling and guiding us in our lives and once we understand how you are calling us, may we also have the courage and strength to act on it. Even though we will at times face trials, make mistakes, and even fail, may you give us the peace of mind and confidence we need to shake the dust off our feet and keep moving forward. May we be assured in knowing that if we are listening to your call you promise to be with us every step of the way and our success at the end is already guaranteed through your love and grace. Amen.
