Matthew 10:13
“And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.”
This verse is part of Jesus’ instructions to His disciples when He sent them out to preach and minister to the people. In this particular verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of discerning the worthiness of a house or a person to receive the message of peace.
Here are some key points to consider in this verse:
**The significance of peace**: Peace is a central theme in the teachings of Jesus. Here, Jesus instructs His disciples to bring peace to the houses they visit. Peace represents the well-being, wholeness, and tranquility that comes through a relationship with God. As followers of Christ, we have the privilege and responsibility to share this peace with others.
**Discerning worthiness**: Jesus encourages His disciples to discern the worthiness of a house or person to receive their message of peace. This does not refer to personal judgment or discrimination but rather recognizing the openness and receptivity of the hearers. The disciples were to observe the response, attitude, and readiness of those they encountered.
**Blessing the worthy**: If the house or person is found worthy, the disciples were to let their peace come upon it. This means that they were to extend their blessings, prayers, and the message of peace to those who welcomed them and were open to receive it. The worthy ones would benefit from the peace and blessings the disciples carried.
**Returning peace**: However, if the house or person is deemed unworthy, the disciples were to let their peace return to them. This implies that the peace and blessings they offered would not find a place of reception. Instead of becoming discouraged or resentful, the disciples were to let go and move on, taking their peace with them. The rejection would not diminish the disciples’ own peace or their purpose to share it with others.
This verse reminds us that as followers of Jesus, we have a responsibility to share the message of peace and the blessings of God with those around us. However, not everyone will receive it with openness and readiness. We are called to discern and respond accordingly, understanding that the response of others does not diminish our own peace or purpose.
