Wednesday 24 September 2008

Background

Mark, Matthew and Luke's Gospels all contain a version of thisstory - the sending out of the 12 disciples (Mark6:7-13, Matthew 10:5-42).In each, Jesus recommends travelling very light. The exact list ofwhat they are to do without varies, but the message is clear. These12 are to go as people without a way of keeping themselves, butdepending on the hospitality and generosity of strangers, pointingtowards the kingdom they are to proclaim. Where the generosity islacking, their poverty and rejection will itself be a witnessagainst the place - there is no need for further condemnation otherthan to shake the dust from their feet.

Jesus uses his disciples' new way of life to teach them. They areto live as if the kingdom has already come - in the ministry andlife of Jesus - putting their faith in the closeness of thiskingdom for their very livelihood. However, in Luke's version ofthis story, we see a difference. Here, the mission the 12 are givenis to "proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal". There is no talkof preaching repentance (as there are in the other accounts), onlyof the kingdom with its new set of practices and values. Healingwill be a tangible sign of this new kingdom.

None of this is to diminish the importance of Jesus' death andresurrection in Luke's telling, but to emphasise the practicaldetails of the life of Jesus alongside it. Unfilled need andun-welcomed strangers will be enough condemnation then, as now.Jesus' and the disciples' kingdom ministry is not just as a preludeto the Cross, but is part of the redemptive process itself.

To Ponder

What are your most basic materialnecessities?

Is it right to be dependent on other people'shospitality?

Have you ever 'entertained an angel,unawares?'