Compare Mark 6:10 with Matthew 10:11-14 on receiving hospitality. What similarities exist? Setting the Scene Jesus is sending His disciples out on mission trips in both passages. He gives them travel instructions that reveal His heart for simple dependence on God and respectful interaction with those who host them. Texts in View Mark 6:10: “He told them, ‘When you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town.’” “11 Whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy and stay at his house until you move on. 12 As you enter the home, greet its occupants. 13 If the home is worthy, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.’” Similarities Observed • One House, Not Many – Both passages call the disciples to remain in the first hospitable home they enter. – This guards against appearing fickle or chasing better accommodations. (cf. 1 Timothy 6:6) • Discernment of Worthiness – Mark assumes a home has offered a welcome; Matthew makes the process explicit: “find out who is worthy.” – In both, “worthiness” is tied to receptivity to the message, not social status. • Peace and Blessing – Matthew spells out the blessing of peace; Mark implies it by the settled stay. – Luke 10:5-7 echoes the same principle of pronouncing peace and accepting what is set before them. • Response to Rejection – While Mark 6:11 (immediately following v. 10) and Matthew 10:14 both command shaking dust off the feet, the shared emphasis is that refusal to offer hospitality equals refusal of the gospel. – This visible act warns the town yet frees the messenger from lingering offense (cf. Acts 13:50-51). • Simplicity and Contentment – Remaining in one house models contentment with God’s provision. – Hebrews 13:5 underscores, “Be content with what you have, for He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” • Mutual Blessing – Disciples receive lodging and food; hosts receive the gospel and a blessing of peace. – Romans 12:13, “Contribute to the needs of the saints and practice hospitality,” shows this mutual exchange continues in the church. Why These Similarities Matter • They cultivate integrity: staying put shows sincerity, not opportunism. • They highlight the spiritual weight of hospitality: accepting messengers equals accepting Christ (cf. John 13:20). • They train disciples in faith: traveling light forces reliance on God’s daily provision through His people. Living It Out Today • Offer hospitality eagerly, knowing you partner in gospel work (3 John 5-8). • When serving, be content with what God provides; avoid comparing or upgrading. • Recognize that receiving or rejecting gospel messengers carries eternal significance. |
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