In Matthew 10 Jesus sends his disciples out, to become “the sent ones”, the “apostles.” He gives them:
1- authority for the work to be done
2- defines the work they will have responsibility for and to whom they are to go and what they are to do
3- specific guidelines for how they are to do it
4- how they will determine the households that are “worthy”, those on whom they are to focus and on whom they may trust for hospitality, receptivity, welcome, and generous spirit
5- what to do when a household proves “unworthy”, i.e., resistance to, taking advantage of, mocking spirit
6- how to separate themselves when the message they bring and work they do is disregarded. When pressed by persecution, how to persevere in faith, trusting in God.
7- God’s opinion of the future condition of those whom the apostles must leave behind, shaking the dust off their feet, especially those who call themselves children of God.
There is an important message in this instruction for those called to ministry and for those to whom they come in Christ’s name.
One’s response to the messenger is a response to Christ himself…..
CBB. 7/26/26