LOOK FOR THOSE WELCOMING JESUS
As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. —Luke 9:51-53
But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’ I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. —Luke 10:10-12
Do not be surprised when people do not welcome you because of Jesus, because of th4e message of Jesus. Jesus Himself was not welcomed many times by people and His disciples also were not welcomed at times. So, when we are not welcomed by people because of Jesus, do not be surprised. Do not be moved from” the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2). Keep your eyes on Jesus and not on people that reject Him.
Anytime a follower of Jesus comes into contact with someone who is not following Jesus, then “The kingdom of God has come near” to them. To reject the good news you bring is to put themselves in great danger. Jesus said of those who reject Him and His followers that “it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town” or its people. But as a follower/disciple of Jesus, do not be surprised at rejection because of Jesus. Jesus told His disciples ahead of time that this would happen.
On the other hand, “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you’” (Luke 10:8-9). There will be those who are welcoming to Jesus and the message His followers/disciples bring. So let us not be discouraged at rejection. On the contrary, see that as a fulfillment of what Jesus foretold and keep looking for those who are welcoming to Jesus and His message. Jesus also foretold that there are those who will be welcoming. He has even prayed for them— “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message” (John 17:20). This has happened, “those who believe, from the time of Jesus right down to us. Jesus prayed for this. Now, who will believe through the message we bring? Are we bringing that message? Will the message continue through us to others who in turn share with others right down to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).
Dear Father, may this be so as You draw people to Jesus (John 6:44), we share the message of Jesus (John 17:20) and Your Holy Spirit convicts them of their need (John 16:7-11). Yes, may be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYZw0dfLmLk&t=15s