The same is true today: If our gospel presentation is devoid of love—whether through acts of service, compassion, or even miracles—it’s far less effective. First Corinthians 13 reminds us that even if we speak with the tongues of angels, without love, we’re nothing.
7. Move It or Lose It.
There’s a time to move on. In Luke 10:10, Jesus taught his disciples to shake the dust off their feet when a town rejected them, a symbolic act of leaving behind the responsibility for those who rejected the message, showing they had done their part and were moving on without carrying guilt or burden.
This isn’t about giving up on people but about recognizing the right time to move forward. Even Jesus didn’t spend all his time with those who rejected him. When we cling to those who are unwilling to receive, we risk missing those who are ready to hear. Read that again.
8. Kingdom: ‘Welcome or Not, Here I Come!’
Whether people welcomed the disciples or not, their message stayed the same: “The Kingdom of God is near” (in both v. 9 and v. 11). This is a key point. Though we should strive to use effective strategies, the content of the message is consistent, even when it isn’t accepted. It can be discouraging when the message isn’t received, but Jesus’ instructions remind us: Share it anyway, and share it everywhere.
When Jesus sent out the 72 in Luke 10, he provided a blueprint for sharing the gospel that remains just as relevant today. From being sent with purpose to building relationships at the table, Jesus emphasized the importance of humility, love, and partnership in ministry. He reminded us that rejection is not failure but part of the journey, and he gave us the freedom to move forward when needed.
Most importantly, he showed that the message of God’s kingdom is constant, whether it’s embraced or not. Following his example means stepping into the mission with courage, love, and persistence—because the world needs to hear, and we’ve been sent to tell.
Want to discuss this further? I’d love to hear from you, encourage you, and pray for you. Share a comment.
