Matthew 10:11

And into whatsoeuer city or towne ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and there abide till yee goe thence. Matthew 10:11 (KJV)

Matthew 10 records Jesus’ instructions to His disciples as He sends them out to proclaim the kingdom of God. He commissions them to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons, and preach that the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 10:5‑8). In verse 11, Jesus provides specific guidance on how the disciples are to conduct themselves when entering a city, town, or house.

Jesus tells His disciples to inquire about the worthiness of those in the city or town they enter. The term “worthy” refers to those who are receptive and open to the message of the kingdom. They were to seek out those who were willing to receive them and their message, rather than wasting time on those who would reject or oppose them. He also instructs them to begin their visit to any house by offering the greeting, “Peace be unto this house,” a blessing that signifies goodwill and invites fellowship.

The instruction to stay in the house of the worthy person until they leave emphasizes the need for stability and establishing a base of operation. By remaining in one location, the disciples could focus on ministering to the people in that area, building relationships, and effectively spreading the message of the kingdom of God.

Principles for Application:

Discernment – The passage encourages believers to discern and evaluate the spiritual openness and receptivity of individuals or communities when sharing the Gospel. While the message of salvation is for everyone, Jesus teaches the importance of prioritising those who are more receptive to avoid unnecessary conflict or fruitless efforts.

Hospitality and Dependence – The disciples were to rely on the hospitality and support of those who welcomed them. This principle highlights the importance of believers supporting one another and providing for the needs of those who are engaged in ministry.

Faithfulness and Steadfastness – The instruction to remain in the house of the worthy person until departure, and to greet each house with peace, emphasizes the need for faithfulness and perseverance in the work of spreading the Gospel. It teaches believers to establish a presence, invest time and effort in a community, and develop relationships for effective ministry.

Contemporary Application – While this passage is specific to Jesus’ instructions to His disciples during that particular time, the principles remain valuable today. Christians are reminded to be discerning about where they invest their time and energy in sharing the Gospel, to practice hospitality and support one another in their respective callings, and to remain faithful and steadfast in their commitment to proclaim the kingdom of God, even in the face of challenges and opposition.