Jesus is sending out the disciples to preach the Kingdom of God, cure diseases and drive out demons. He tells them that they are not to take anything with them so they have to rely on others.
v. 5 Jesus says "If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them" Pious Jews would do this after passing through Gentile cities to show their separation form Gentile practices. If the disciples did this in a Jewish town it would show their separation from Jews who rejected the Messiah. It also showed that they were not responsible for how people responded to their message. If the message is rejected by all, we are not to blame if we presented it correctly. We must move on to others who may be open to the Word. Do not let people get you down.
v. 10-11 There was large crowd that had been listening to Jesus speak and it was getting late in the day. They had followed Him and instead of Jesus telling them to go away He welcomed them. How do we treat people who interrupt us; as a nuisance or a reason for our ministry/life? This is something I need to work on. The disciples suggested that the people go to the town to get food and lodging. Jesus said "You give them something to eat." That must have seemed like an unusual request. They were supposed to feed at least 5,000 people with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. Jesus offered what appeared to be an impossible task. They responded with what they did not have, food or money.
v. 18-20 Jesus asked the disciples who the people thought He was. Then he asked Peter "Who do you say I am?" Jesus wants each of us to take a stand in our belief and say who He is.
v. 23-24 "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it." To take up our cross today is to put aside selfish desires and follow Him. If your present life is the most important to you, you will do anything to protect it.
v. 26 "If anyone is ashamed of Me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him, when He comes in His glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." Ouch! This seems harsh but is only the truth. Those that deny Him now, He will deny in the end.
How do you respond to Jesus, with what you don't have or what you will do? Don't let your lack of resources blind you from your potential.
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