Sent Out Like Sheep
As you enter the home, greet its occupants. Matthew 10:12 · Berean Standard Bible
When you walk into a home, greet the people there with a blessing of peace.
This wasn't just politeness. Jesus wanted their first act in every home to be one of blessing and goodwill.
Jesus, teaching them to lead with peace.
Every encounter with a representative of Jesus should begin with peace and blessing.
Upon entering a home, the disciples are to offer a greeting of peace (aspasasthe), following standard Jewish practice of bestowing shalom upon a household.
The greeting 'Peace to this house' (cf. Luke 10:5) was not mere courtesy but a performative declaration carrying spiritual power.
Jesus, instructing on the greeting protocol.
The peace greeting becomes a vehicle for blessing, connecting the disciples' mission to the prophetic promise of shalom.
10Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions.
11Whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy there and stay at his house until you move on.
12As you enter the home, greet its occupants.
13If the home is worthy, let your peace rest on it, but if it is not, let your peace return to you.
14And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.
Read all of Matthew 10 — Jesus hands his authority to twelve ordinary men and sends them into a hostile world. The mission briefing is searingly honest.
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