What I’m Thinking: No Shoes, No Bags

When Jesus sends his disciples (his followers, his students) out on an independent project, he doesn’t tell them what to bring. At least, nothing tangible.

Here’s a transcript:

I’m thinking this week about the instructions Jesus gives to his disciples in the ninth and tenth chapters of the gospel of Matthew (Matthew 9:35-10:16). He calls the twelve and then he sends them out, so that there will be more messengers of the Good News than just himself going to the villages of Galilee. 

Now most of the time when leaders prepare others to go out and do an important work, they tell them about the things that they need to have available that will make things work. But not Jesus.

No, when he talks about things, he talks about things that they should not bring with them. No extra shoes, no extra clothes, not even a bag to carry them in — since after all, what use would that be?

No, when he tells them about the “things” to bring: he tells them to bring the power of the Good News, and he tells them to bring their courage and confidence in their faith.

In a society where we are preoccupied with things and stuff, this is awfully refreshing, and great Good News to me.

That’s what I’m thinking! I’m curious about what you’re thinking. Leave me your thoughts in the comment section below; I’d love to hear from you.