Read Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Jesus sent out the first mission team with the wonderful news that “the kingdom of God is near.” They were sent ahead to prepare the way for Jesus to personally come and do miraculous thing in their lives and community. The opportunity and possibility was huge! But as exciting as this was, it was not going to be easy. Actually it was going to be quite overwhelming. They would feel like lambs walking into the wolves’ den.
Our logical solution is go in bigger, stronger and over prepared. But as Isaiah 55:8,9 states, Jesus’ ways are not on the same plane as ours. He did not send all 70 to one town at a time. Instead, He divided them into groups of two and sent them to many different ones. If the team was welcomed, then they were to be gracious guests. If they were rejected, they were to leave graciously. Their gracious attitude and behavior prepared the way for the Kingdom of God, regardless how they were personally received.
Jesus also did not send them loaded down with obvious resources. Actually, He told them, “Do not take a purse or bag or sandals.” A purse was a leather coin pouch that hung from their belt. They were not to take a lot of extra cash, so they didn’t have to depend on anyone else. Likewise, a bag contained everything they just might need, like extra clothes, an extra blanket, a couple extra pairs of sandals in case of a blow out along the way. Gathering up an abundance of “just in case” resources sounds like a smart thing to do, but Jesus knew it only made them self-sufficient and independent. They needed to trust God to supply what they would need to do all He asked of them.
Furthermore, He told them, “Do not greet anyone on the road.” No, they were not supposed to be rude. This didn’t refer to a friendly wave or quick, “Hi!” Nor did it mean not stopping to take advantage of ministry opportunities along the way. The problem here was distractions. The eastern culture of greeting involved formal introductions, repeated hugs and kisses, plus the obligatory invitation to wine and dine. It would be so easy to be a tourist, rather than someone on a mission. If they kept stopping, they would never get to where Jesus was sending them nor accomplish what He needed them to do. They were not to let the trivial sidetrack them from the important.
God has a mission for you. He is sending you to prepare the way for Him to bring love, life and grace to others. What an incredible blessing to be included on this mission! It will require being gracious towards other and dependent on God. You will need to keep your eyes open for opportunities that may suddenly appear in your path. Be careful that you don’t let self-sufficiency and unnecessary distractions keep you from doing what God needs you to do today. The result will be joy you don’t want to miss.
Making It Personal
You do not have to go on a mission trip to be on a mission for God. Why is it important for you view your daily life as a mission opportunity?
The Kingdom of God is defined by love and grace. How does your being gracious represent the Kingdom of God? What impact does being loving and gracious have on those you minister?
What does 2 Corinthians 9:8 and Philippians 4:19 state God is trustworthy to provide?
What role does your believing in the trustworthiness of Christ play in preparing you to carry out His mission in your daily encounters?
When it comes to distractions, you have to be careful. Luke 10 concludes with the story of the Good Samaritan, which included several characters who refused to be “distracted” from their perceived “mission” and missed the opportunity to minister to one in need. How can you make sure that doesn’t happen to you?
