As Jesus sent the seventy-two out, they were not to carry their own supplies but rely on peaceful provisions from those they taught. Luke 10: 5 “Whenever you enter someone’s home, first say, ‘May God’s peace be on this house.’ 6 If those who live there are peaceful, the blessing will stand; if they are not, the blessing will return to you.[1]
What is the peace that Jesus speaks of here? It was traditional to wish shalom and use it as a greeting. In this instance, I think it stood for more. Jesus had sent these followers to prepare the people for the Messiah and His peace. If the householder had a proper attitude towards God, they would be open to receiving the message of the Gospel about the coming Kingdom. If not, the peace would return to the one who had given it. Then the disciples could redirect it to others who would receive it.
Housing and Food
Jesus gave those He sent out instructions about housing and food. Luke 10:7 Don’t move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay. 8 “If you enter a town and it welcomes you, eat whatever is set before you. [2]
By staying in the same house, the missionaries would avoid specific problems. If they left one house for another, they would offend the family who first took them in. By moving around, families might begin competing for the disciples’ presence. Others might assume they weren’t good enough to hear the message. Additionally, by staying in one place, the disciples would not waste time searching for a better deal. If the disciples refused the hospitality of the town, they might be so offended that they might not accept Jesus when He came.
Jesus told his disciples to accept hospitality graciously because their work made them worthy of it. 1 Timothy 5: 18 For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!” [3] As a result, the disciples should willingly accept what the hosts offered in terms of food and drink.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
Those working to preach the Gospel still need to be supported by those they serve. It still requires a trust that God will provide through others. With this said, those workers of the Gospel are not to be searching for the best deal or offer. This attitude tends to build a kingdom for themselves rather than for God. Time spent seeking larger compensation is wasted when it should be used for God’s Kingdom.
Those receiving ministry should support their leader physically and emotionally. Obviously, a congregation should pay the pastor a living wage, and if there is a parsonage, it should be in good repair. But don’t forget to support church workers emotionally. Friendship is something money can’t buy. They also need to hear that the congregation appreciates their efforts.
To learn more about peaceful provisions, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/sent-out-2-x-2
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.