Jesus sent out 70 of his followers in pairs to the places he intended to go. They were not to pack or prepare for the trip, but were to rely on the hospitality and welcome of the people they encountered. Jesus gave them instructions and warnings, telling them not to take provisions for themselves or look for the best house in the community to host them, but to stay with the first folks who welcomed them. When they were not welcomed by a community, he told them to symbolically take nothing from that community (wiping off the dust from their feet) and move on to the next one.
Whether the followers were welcomed and stayed a long time or left shaking the dust from their feet, Jesus instructed them to share the same good news: “the kingdom of God has come near.”
God is close. God brings love and healing. God is transforming the world. This hope-filled and grace-filled news was not only for the folks who welcomed the traveling followers, but for everyone. This is one of the most difficult things about following Jesus: the love is for everyone, no matter how they respond.
God’s love is for everyone: People who welcome the message. People who ignore the message. People who actively reject the message and the followers who share it. Even people who twist the words of the followers and distort the message. God’s love is for everyone. No matter the response, the reign of God has come near. God is moving in the world in ways that heal and transform and bring new life.
Peace,