Matthew 10:13 - If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn’t worthy, let your peace return to you.

Generated Verse: Matthew 10:13

What does "Matthew 10:13" mean?


This verse, Matthew 10:13, is part of Jesus' instructions to his disciples as he sends them out to preach and heal. It deals with how they should interact with the people they encounter, and particularly with the reception they receive. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"If the household is worthy...": This refers to a household that is receptive to the message of the gospel, welcomes the disciples, and is open to hearing and accepting Jesus' teachings. "Worthy" doesn't mean they are perfect or inherently deserving; it means they are willing to listen and consider the message. It implies a willingness to extend hospitality and provide for the disciples' needs.

"...let your peace come on it...": "Peace" (Greek: eirēnē) in this context goes beyond just a lack of conflict. It represents a state of wholeness, well-being, reconciliation with God, and the blessings of God's presence. When a household is receptive, the disciples' blessing of peace is effective; the blessings of the gospel will be experienced in that home. The peace the disciples bring is not their own, but the peace of God they are offering.

"...but if it isn’t worthy...": This refers to a household that rejects the disciples' message, refuses to listen, or even mistreats them. They are unwilling to receive the gospel.

"...let your peace return to you.": This doesn't mean the disciples literally take back some tangible "peace" they gave. It means that the blessing of peace they offered does not take root in the unreceptive household. The rejection of the message does not diminish the peace within the disciple or the availability of God's peace. The offered peace, finding no home, essentially remains with or returns to the disciple, ready to be offered elsewhere. It protects the disciples from being negatively impacted by the rejection.

In essence, the verse instructs the disciples (and, by extension, modern-day Christians) to:

Offer peace and blessing to those who are receptive to the gospel.
Not be discouraged or consumed by rejection. If people refuse to listen, move on and continue sharing the message with those who are open to it.
Recognize that the responsibility for accepting or rejecting the gospel rests with the individual or household.
Understand that the peace they offer is not dependent on the recipient's acceptance; it remains with them, enabling them to continue their mission.

This verse teaches the importance of discernment and resilience in sharing the gospel. It encourages focusing on those who are open to the message while understanding that not everyone will accept it. It also underscores the importance of the messenger's own spiritual well-being, ensuring that rejection doesn't steal their peace and prevent them from continuing their work.

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