Jesus sends out his disciples into the world to preach the message, “the kingdom of heaven is near.”  Jesus gives his disciples many warnings.  He warns them that many will reject them and some will persecute them.  Jesus says he came to bring this conflict to the world, but that anyone who receives him will be received by God.  Jesus concludes his remarks by saying, “if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”

Jesus asked his disciples to do two things: preach and minister to the lost.  I believe that Jesus calls each of us to these same two tasks.  We are called to share the good news of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to our community.  It is our responsibility that they know that new life is available to them.  It is also our responsibility to minister to the needs of our community around us.  We need to exemplify the love of Jesus by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, quenching the thirst of the parched, and providing opportunities to the poor.

Jesus tells his disciples that if they are not welcomed they need to shake the dust from their sandals and leave town.  I think we Christians are too quick to shake the dust from our sandals.  I think we give up on people before we have taken the time to minister to their needs.  I do not get to decide who I give up on.  God decides when it is time for me to shake the dust from my sandals.