Bearers of Peace

Scripture – Luke 10:5-7: 5“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ 6If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. 7Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

Reflection: The seventy-two were sent out two by two to visit every “town and place” where Jesus was about to go. (10:1) It looks like they were some kind of advance teams. I wonder what they were to do. Were they looking for places where Jesus could stay while in a particular town? Was He giving them a taste of what they would be doing after He was gone?

The first part of their instruction in today’s passage is somewhat rooted in the first century sense of hospitality. People in Palestine were generally expected to welcome visitors and provide food and shelter for them. Apparently, not everyone would do that willingly. Some people might go through the motions, but exude an attitude that would make it clear they didn’t want to be doing it.

These disciples were to be bearers of peace. Some people would accept that – others, it seems, would not. How will I bring peace today to people I visit and places I go?