“He who listens to you listens to me”

Read Luke 10:1-16

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Many of the instructions given here are included by Matthew in the earlier account of Jesus sending out the Twelve (Lk.9:2-6; Mt.10:5-16). They are just as relevant for this further mission training activity which involved other disciples. Both incidents illustrate that “the harvest is plentiful” and that more workers are needed (2; Mt.9:37-38; Jn.4:35).

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Mission is risky – we are sent out “like lambs among wolves”, needing to rely on our shepherd for leading and protection (3; Jn.10:12-15) whilst being careful to maintain both prudence and purity (Mt.10:16). The message of God’s kingdom is a message of peace (Rom.14:17) and we are to look out for "people of peace" who are ready to respond with interest, gladly accepting their welcome and support (5-9; e.g. Acts 16:13-15).

. Where that message is unwelcome, it’s right to move on to those whose hearts are open (10-11; Acts 13:51). But by rejecting the good news of God’s kingdom there can be no excuse on the day of judgement (10-11; Jn.3:19-21). That was so for the Galilean towns where Jesus worked (12-15; Mt.11:20-24) and it remains true for all his messengers, because “he who listens to you listens to me” (16).