How should we respond when a town rejects the Gospel message we bring? Setting the Scene in Luke 10 “Whatever town you enter and they do not welcome you, go into the streets and declare, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’” (Luke 10:10-11) Why the Dust Matters • In the ancient world, dust symbolized fellowship; shaking it off publicly signaled a clean break. • Jesus uses a simple act to communicate two truths: – We are not responsible for their unbelief. – God’s kingdom advances whether accepted or rejected. Scripture Echoes • Acts 13:50-51—Paul and Barnabas “shook the dust off their feet” in Pisidian Antioch and moved on to Iconium. • Matthew 10:14—Jesus gives the same command to the Twelve. • Ezekiel 3:18-19—The watchman’s duty is to warn; once he has spoken, he has delivered his soul. • 2 Timothy 4:2—“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.” Responding When a Town Rejects the Gospel • Proclaim clearly one last time: “The kingdom of God has come near.” • Withdraw without rancor—no argument, no resentment. • Leave the results with God; judgment belongs to Him alone. • Redirect energy to receptive fields (Acts 14:1). • Guard your heart: do not let rejection harden you toward future listeners. Balancing Truth and Grace • Truth: Refusal to believe has eternal stakes (John 3:18). • Grace: Jesus wept over Jerusalem’s unbelief (Luke 19:41); rejection stirred compassion, not bitterness. • Our tone should mirror both realities—firm about sin, gentle toward sinners (1 Peter 3:15-16). Practical Steps for Today – Present the gospel plainly and biblically. – If rejected, affirm God’s nearness once more. – Disengage respectfully; do not water down the message to gain acceptance. – Pray for those who resist, asking God to soften hearts in His timing (Romans 10:1). – Move on to new opportunities, trusting the Spirit to lead. Encouragement for the Messenger • Rejection is not failure when obedience is the goal (1 Corinthians 4:2). • Jesus experienced widespread refusal (John 6:66), yet He pressed on. • The harvest is still plentiful; laborers remain few (Luke 10:2). Keep sowing. Key Takeaways 1. Faithful proclamation is our responsibility; results are God’s. 2. Shaking off dust models both warning and release. 3. Compassion endures even when messages are refused. 4. The mission continues—press on to the next town, the next heart, the next open door. |
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