Matthew 10:9-15
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Today’s passage is a continuation of Jesus’ directives to the twelve disciples as he sends them out to bring the Good News of God’s Kingdom to the towns and villages of Israel. Read Matthew 10:9-15 noting any questions that arise as you read.
Matthew and Luke both tell this story with slight variations, but both Gospel authors are making the same point. Jesus is telling his followers to go as they are. They don’t need to equip themselves for the mission, they have already been equipped by being with Jesus. Now they are simply to go trusting God in the same way Jesus has always trusted God.
Stop to consider this for a moment. Do you feel equipped to live out Jesus’ calling on your life? What might Jesus want to say to you about that through this passage? Talk to him.
Read Matthew 10:9-15 again noting that when Jesus tells his disciples to give a home their blessing, he is literally telling them to bring eiréné (the New Testament word for shalom) to the home.
As we saw in our last meditation, Jesus is sending his twelve disciples out to do what the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Abraham, were supposed to do. The disciples are to be a blessing to those who are open to receiving. From these twelve, and then from the community Jesus will gather during his earthly ministry, the Good News of God’s shalom Kingdom will spread and multiply to all whose hearts are receptive. A “worthy” person or home simply indicates a person or people who welcome the Good News along with those who share it.
Those of us who have been added to the community of Jesus over the centuries are also called to be a blessing to others bringing the life-giving shalom of God’s Kingdom to everyone we encounter. Our task is not to convince anyone of anything. Rather, we are to be a blessing as we communicate and demonstrate the difference Jesus has made in our lives.
For the last minutes of this time of reflection, get still and let all your thoughts settle. Breathe deeply inhaling the name of Jesus and exhaling all other thoughts. Then listen to Jesus.
What might Jesus be saying to you through the instructions he gave his disciples?
What will you do in response?
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