We’ve got two different scenes in today’s reading, so let’s look at both of them.
How many of you still live in your hometown? Do you have any hometown heros, that is, someone who left town to make it big? Not every town will birth a star athlete, movie star, political or religious figure. Today, when that happens the town is proud and attention is often brought to the town.
In the case of Jesus, it was not so. The people of his home town, “his” people did just the opposite. They couldn’t believe what Jesus was preaching. They didn’t trust his authority, after all he was just a carpenter’s son. It even says they were “offended”. Even Jesus was “amazed at their unbelief” despite the fact he knew that a prophet was often not recognized or honored in their home town.
It’s hard to say how we would respond because our culture today is so much different. If Jesus was our neighborhood kid and then went on to heal people and teach truths that only God would know, do you think that would cause us to pause and wonder? How many times have we seen evangelists on TV rousing crowds and doing miraculous things. What have we thought about them? Crazy, Bible-thumper, fanatic, over the top. We may have even questioned if they were “real” or just putting on a show. Do you think we are any different from Jesus’ neighbors?
Jesus and his disciples were not going to let the attitude of those people get them down. It was actually good for them to see this and experience the rejection. It was a bit of preparation for what Jesus was going to have them do next. Go out and spread the word. Much like he is calling us to do.
Here, Jesus said to go, taking nothing with. The disciples were equipped only with their faith and reliance on Jesus’ instructions. Do you think you’d be able to do that? It’s hard for us to take a weekend getaway without packing a bag, at least a toothbrush. I’ve tried to imagine just taking off on a mission to share the gospel. There is a tingle in my gut, and it quickly triggers my brain to say, “I don’t think I can do this” and one excuse after another sets in.
If this is you, read vv. 7-13 again. What am I missing? I can’t say Jesus hasn’t asked me, because in the Bible we are all called to make disciples. What about authority? We shouldn’t need Jesus to physically command us to do this – his word is clear. So why don’t we go? Maybe our mission is in our own town, or neighborhood. Maybe we don’t have to leave to carry out what we are called to do. Think about your mission and who you are called in impact.
Let’s pray. Lord thank you for giving me the authority to speak for you and to tell others about you and your love for them. Give me the courage I need to step outside my comfort zone and open my mouth. You have given me such wisdom and compassion, don’t let me keep it to myself. Work in my heart so that if you ask me to leave it all behind there will be no hesitation. I want to run to you and be all that you want me to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
