[Jesus continued his instructions to the seventy-two disciples he was sending as missionaries:] “If you enter a town and it welcomes you, eat whatever is set before you. Heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now.’ But if a town refuses to welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘We wipe even the dust of your town from our feet to show that we have abandoned you to your fate. And know this — the Kingdom of God is near!'”
Key Thought
God’s Kingdom had drawn near with the coming of Jesus. He sent his disciples to prepare the people’s hearts. The announcement of the Kingdom was not only urgent; it was also eternally important. Jesus’ instructions were given to help the disciples know that importance. In our time when so few accept any standards for truth or morality, it is easy for us to lose our sense of urgency and importance about the Kingdom of God. Let’s be open to the strong language Jesus used, especially in the following verses, [1] to shake us from our lethargy and remember that accepting Jesus’ truth about God’s Kingdom is eternally important.
Today’s Prayer
Father, forgive my lethargy toward those whose lives are not yet yielded to the lordship of Jesus. Renew my passion to share your grace and to declare your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Luke 9:1-5Acts 13:48-52John 12:48Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.