Luke 10:8

And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

Luke 10:8 (KJV)

Context

Luke 10:8 belongs to the passage often called the Mission of the Seventy, in which Jesus sends disciples out in pairs to every city and place He was about to visit. The surrounding verses tell them to rely on hospitality, not to carry provisions, and to remain in one house, eating and drinking what is provided. Verse 8 continues that instruction: when they enter a city that receives them, they are to eat what is set before them.

Meaning

“And into whatsoever city ye enter” sets the scope: this applies wherever the disciples go. “And they receive you” describes a town that welcomes them and offers hospitality. “Eat such things as are set before you” tells them to accept the food they are given without being picky or choosy. The command is not primarily about dietary rules but about the posture of the messenger—grateful acceptance of whatever is provided. It guards against two errors: refusing simple fare because of personal preference, and thinking themselves too good for what is offered.

In Jesus’ day, hospitality and shared meals were highly valued customs. When guests arrived, it was customary to provide food and lodging. By instructing the disciples to eat what was set before them, Jesus emphasized accepting hospitality without causing unnecessary offense. This practical instruction supported their mission of proclaiming the kingdom of God and healing the sick, as the following verses show. Their willingness to eat what was provided demonstrated their identification with the people they served and their freedom from entitlement.

Biblical connections

The instruction in Luke 10:8 builds on the earlier command in Luke 10:4 not to carry a bag or money, reinforcing dependence on God’s provision through others. The contrasting case of a town that does not receive them is addressed in Luke 10:10-11, where the disciples are told to wipe off the dust of that city as a testimony against it.

Application

Gratitude and contentment: We can apply this verse by cultivating a thankful heart for God’s provision, avoiding criticism or dissatisfaction with what we have.

Humility and dependence: We should be humble and dependent on God’s care, recognizing that everything we have comes from Him and trusting His guidance rather than clinging to personal entitlements.

Cultural sensitivity: In interactions with people from different cultures or backgrounds, we ought to be respectful and sensitive to their customs, learning from and adapting to their norms instead of imposing our own.

While this verse gave specific instructions for the disciples during their mission, its underlying principles of gratitude, contentment, humility, and cultural sensitivity are timeless truths that can shape our daily walk with Christ.

Reflection

Receiving hospitality graciously is a way of honoring both the host and the God who provides through others. When we accept what is offered without complaint, we reflect the same trust and freedom from entitlement that Jesus taught His disciples.