Luke 10:11

Luke 10:11 captures a powerful instruction from Jesus to the seventy (or seventy-two) disciples He sent out to towns and villages to proclaim the coming of the Kingdom of God. This specific verse outlines their response when a town rejects their message of peace and the Gospel.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' detailed commissioning of His disciples in Luke 10. He instructs them to heal the sick and declare that the Kingdom of God has come near. If a town or household refuses to receive them or their message, they are to perform this symbolic act: "Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you." This action was a common Jewish custom, often performed by Jews returning from Gentile lands, signifying a separation from defilement. Here, it is turned into a solemn testimony against those who reject the divine message.

The act of shaking off dust emphasized the disciples' lack of responsibility for the town's rejection, as they had delivered the message faithfully. It also served as a stark warning to the inhabitants about the gravity of their decision, implying that their rejection would lead to serious consequences, perhaps even worse than for cities like Sodom and Gomorrah (Luke 10:12).

Key Themes

• Accountability for Rejection: The primary message is that those who hear and reject the Gospel are held accountable. The dust-shaking is a public declaration that the disciples have fulfilled their duty, and the responsibility now rests entirely with the inhabitants.
• The Imminent Kingdom of God: The phrase "the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you" underscores the urgency and present reality of God's sovereign rule. It wasn't a distant hope but a present truth, made manifest through Jesus' ministry and the disciples' proclamation.
• Divine Witness and Warning: The act serves as a solemn witness against the unbelieving city, signifying that they have had their opportunity to respond to God's presence and have chosen otherwise.
• Disciples' Authority and Separation: It empowers the disciples to detach themselves from the outcome of their mission when faced with rejection, knowing they have done their part. They are not to cling to the rejection or its defilement.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "is come nigh unto you" translates the Greek word ēngiken (ἤγγικεν), which is in the perfect tense. This implies that the Kingdom of God has not merely "approached" or "will approach," but it has truly "drawn near" and its presence is already a reality. It signifies a fulfilled proximity, a present access to God's reign through Christ and His representatives. This emphasizes that the Kingdom is not just a future hope but has broken into human history through Jesus' ministry.

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 10:11 holds several important applications:

1. Faithful Proclamation: We are called to faithfully share the Gospel, whether it is received or rejected. Our responsibility is to deliver the message, not to force its acceptance.
2. Understanding Rejection: When the Gospel is rejected, this verse reminds us that the responsibility lies with the hearer, not with the messenger who has faithfully presented the truth. We can, like the disciples, "wipe off the dust" and move forward, free from undue burden or guilt.
3. The Urgency of the Gospel: The "Kingdom of God is come nigh" is still true. God's rule and saving grace are accessible now, making the call to repentance and faith urgent for all.
4. Divine Judgment: The verse serves as a sober reminder that there are consequences for rejecting God's clear invitation and truth. It underscores the seriousness of our response to the Gospel.

This passage parallels similar instructions given to the twelve apostles in Matthew 10:14 and Mark 6:11, highlighting a consistent principle in Jesus' mission strategy for His disciples.