#disciplemaking
#adventcalendarday10
#willyoujoinme

Welcome to day 10 of our “Advent Calendar”. Please read Luke chapter 10 and see what lies behind the door of hopeful expectation . . .

In yesterday’s reading it was the 12 Apostles, today it’s a wider group of disciples (72 others) who get sent out by Jesus in pairs. This movement is gathering momentum! But note the very deliberate strategy of Jesus. He doesn’t just send them anywhere. They are to look for and stay with “someone of peace”. If they get a knock-back, they are to move on.

There’s such life and freedom in this method! We all know what it’s like to experience genuine welcome. Someone who shows you favour or kindness or who opens doors to others. This is what we should be looking for. For me, I’m looking for my spirit to sing, as it were (or like the baby leaping within you – remember Luke 1:41?) and I know it’s going to be alright talking about Jesus or doing ministry in his name with that person.

None the less I am always challenged by this call to miraculous ministry (v9) but two things are true and make it easier. Firstly, if I go with someone else, they help me with moral support (at the very least) but usually with extra insight to the situation. Secondly, if I find myself with a true person of peace, I know whatever I do or say in the name of Jesus will be welcome.

v16 is both encouraging and consoling. “Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.” And I like to hold it alongside

Matthew 10:40 “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me”.

And just a quick word about the Good Samaritan. Back in Luke 9:51-55 we get a snapshot of the general feeling between Jews and Samaritans which helps give some context for this parable. The people you would expect to care and help – don’t. The person you don’t expect to care or help – does. This is another way to identify a person of peace. Who would you rather work with?

• Why do you think Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs? Who might God pair you with?
• What similarities can you see between a “person of peace” (v6) and a “neighbour” (v36)
• Write down the names of obvious people of peace/neighbours for you? What is Jesus saying to you about them?
• Who might you be a person of peace to today? Tomorrow? Next week?
• Which everyday albeit important activities are you allowing to get in the way of focussing on what Jesus is saying to you?