How should we respond if our peace is not received, according to Matthew 10:13? Setting the Scene Matthew 10:13: “If the household is worthy, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.” Jesus is sending out the Twelve. He grants them authority, then gives practical instructions for what to do when their greeting of peace is rejected. The verse is simple, but it carries several layers of wisdom for every believer who shares the gospel or simply lives out Christ’s peace. What “Your Peace” Means • In the context, “peace” (Greek: eirēnē) includes wholeness, wellbeing, and God’s favor that the disciple carries. • This peace is not mere politeness; it is the tangible blessing of God’s kingdom (cf. John 14:27). • Believers are carriers of that peace wherever they go (cf. Colossians 3:15). Recognizing Rejection • “If it is not [worthy]…” signals a household that shows itself unwilling to receive the message or the messenger. • Rejection might surface as ridicule, stubborn disbelief, or quiet indifference (cf. Luke 10:10-11). The Command: Let Your Peace Return • Jesus tells His followers to withdraw the blessing, not out of spite, but because peace cannot be forced. • The phrase pictures peace circling back like a messenger returning home; it was offered, not accepted, so it comes back. Practical Response Steps • Remain Peaceful: Hold onto your own inner calm—don’t lose it in disappointment. • Refrain from Strife: Avoid arguing or retaliating (cf. Romans 12:18—“If it is possible…live at peace with everyone”). • Release the Situation: Entrust the outcome to God’s justice and timing. Shake the dust off (Matthew 10:14) and move on. • Preserve Your Witness: Let gentleness and respect mark your exit; your demeanor may speak louder than words (1 Peter 3:15-16). • Continue the Mission: There are other hearts ready to receive. Keep proclaiming, keep sowing (Galatians 6:9). Why This Matters • Peace Recovered: You are not spiritually depleted; the peace returns to refresh you for the next assignment. • Holiness Maintained: Obedience to Christ protects you from bitterness. • Testimony Clarified: Those who reject know they have declined God’s gift, not merely your personality (cf. Acts 13:46-48). • God’s Sovereignty Affirmed: The Lord is responsible for results; we are responsible for faithfulness (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Living It Out Today • Greet others with genuine goodwill, trusting God to make your peace rest or return. • If met with resistance, calmly withdraw without resentment. • Pray privately for those who rejected the peace, but do not linger in discouragement. • Move forward, still carrying Christ’s peace, ready to share it with the next receptive soul. The Savior’s instruction is liberating: offer peace freely, and if it’s refused, take it back intact and continue the journey. |
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