Luke 9:3-6 3And he said to them, “Take nothing for the road, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics each. 4And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5And whoever does not welcome you, as you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” 6And as they departed, they went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
Jesus gives austere directions to his disciples as they go out on their mission. They could basically take only the clothes on their backs. They could not have the typical items used on a journey, what could be compared to a modern backpack or suitcase. A walking staff would help give a solid footing and beat away vicious dogs. A bag would hold other travel items like bread and money, which would be necessary personal support. Two tunics would provide additional protection from the weather or cold nights.
The disciples would rely on only what others could provide in the way of hospitality. Luke highlights the theme of hospitality in both his Gospel and the book of Acts. He experienced the hospitality of many people as he journeyed with others, including Paul the Apostle. The disciples were to look for people who would be friendly and open to receiving them. Hospitality was an important social expectation in the first-century Mediterranean region. Hospitality became an important Christian virtue, as stated in Hebrews 13:2.
Not everyone would be welcoming, however. Jesus warns his disciples in verse 5 about those who would not receive them. Even entire villages and towns might reject them. In that case, the disciples were to remove everything about the town from their persons, even the dust they picked up while walking the streets and paths of the town (see 10:11; Acts 13:51). All relationship with the town was symbolically ended. The people deserved any judgment they received. Rejecting the disciples meant rejecting the message of the kingdom, which they proclaimed.
Luke briefly gives the summary that the disciples obediently responded to Jesus’ instructions and went throughout the area. They were likely still in Galilee where Jesus spent a significant part of his ministry. They followed Jesus’ example of preaching and healing. They had watched Jesus and had the head knowledge. They had the spiritual power and authority given directly by Jesus. We can have the head knowledge and we are given the power and authority through Scripture and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The missing element we must also have for success in the mission to the world is obedience. As verse 6 indicates, the disciples model for us obedience as they went out and preached the good news about Jesus.
For older posts, click here.