Luke 10:11

Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

Luke 10:11 (KJV)

Context

In Luke 10, Jesus sends out seventy disciples ahead of Him to prepare the way for His ministry. He instructs them to heal the sick and announce that the kingdom of God has come near. In verse 11, Jesus tells them how to respond when a city rejects their message.

Meaning

The dust of the city that cleaves to the disciples’ feet is a symbol of rejection and judgment. By wiping it off against the city, the disciples symbolically disassociate themselves from those who refuse the message of the kingdom. The gesture is a testimony against the city, showing that the messengers have done all they could and that the responsibility for the consequences rests with the city itself.

The phrase “cleaveth on us” indicates that the disciples carried the evidence of their visit with them. The rejection of the message would not go unnoticed. The disciples would not bear responsibility for the city’s refusal; rather, the city itself would bear the consequences.

The words “be ye sure of this” emphasize the certainty of what follows. Jesus warns that rejecting His messengers is a serious offense. The kingdom of God was near, and the cities had the opportunity to receive it, but by rejecting it they faced judgment. This statement serves as both a warning and a final offer of grace.

Biblical connections

This action is consistent with the instructions Jesus gave to the twelve apostles in Matthew 10:14 and Mark 6:11, where they were told to shake off the dust from their feet as a testimony against those who did not receive them. The following verse, Luke 10:12, intensifies the warning by stating that it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for the city that rejects the disciples.

Application

This verse reminds us of the seriousness of rejecting the message of salvation and the consequences that follow. It emphasizes the urgency of responding to the call of God’s kingdom when it draws near. We should be attentive and responsive to God’s word, recognizing the significance of accepting or rejecting His offer of salvation.

While the passage speaks of judgment, it is essential to remember that God is gracious and merciful. He desires all people to repent and turn to Him (2 Peter 3:9). Even when judgment is pronounced, it is a call to repentance and an opportunity for change.

Reflection

The nearness of the kingdom of God is a central theme in this verse. Through Jesus’ ministry and the message of salvation, the kingdom was accessible to the cities. Their rejection would hinder them from experiencing its blessings. The same offer stands before us today, calling for a response of faith.