Luke 10:4

In Luke 10:4, Jesus gives specific, striking instructions to the seventy (or seventy-two) disciples He is sending out ahead of Him. These commands emphasize radical dependence on God and the urgency of their mission.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' detailed commission to a larger group of disciples than the original twelve, as recorded in Luke 10:1-12. Having just lamented the vast harvest and few laborers (Luke 10:2), Jesus immediately equips them for direct action. These instructions parallel, but are distinct from, those given to the twelve in Matthew 10:9-10 and Mark 6:8-9, highlighting the unique nature and urgency of this particular outreach.

Key Themes

• Radical Dependence on God: The command to "Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes" signifies that the disciples were to rely entirely on God's provision and the hospitality of those they encountered. They were not to trust in their own material resources or preparations. This theme of seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, with all other needs being supplied, is central.
• Urgency of the Mission: The instruction to "salute no man by the way" does not imply rudeness, but rather an imperative to avoid the lengthy and elaborate social greetings common in ancient Near Eastern culture. Such greetings could consume significant time and attention, diverting from the immediate and critical task of proclaiming the Kingdom of God. It underscores the preciousness of time in ministry.
• Simplicity and Focus: By traveling light and unencumbered, the disciples were to demonstrate a detachment from worldly possessions and a singular focus on their divine assignment. Their message was paramount, not their personal comfort or security.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrases offer specific insights:

• "Purse" (Greek: ballantion) refers to a money bag.
• "Scrip" (Greek: pēra) was a traveling bag, typically used by travelers or beggars for carrying food or provisions.
• "Shoes" (Greek: hypodēma) refers to sandals. While other passages permit sandals, this specific instruction might imply not taking *extra* pairs or relying on them for comfort, but rather a complete reliance on God for even basic necessities, or perhaps a deliberate lack of preparedness to highlight their dependency.
• "Salute no man by the way" (Greek: mēdena kata tēn hodon aspazesthe) highlights the cultural norm of extended greetings. Jesus' command emphasizes that their mission was too critical for such time-consuming formalities, urging them to proceed with utmost directness and purpose, similar to a messenger bearing urgent news.

Practical Application

While modern disciples are not typically sent out without basic provisions, the principles behind Jesus' instructions remain profoundly relevant. This verse challenges believers today to:

• Prioritize the Gospel: To ensure that the urgency of sharing the good news takes precedence over personal comfort, material security, or social pleasantries that distract from the mission.
• Cultivate Dependence: To foster a deep trust in God's provision in all areas of life, recognizing that He is our ultimate source, not our own resources or efforts. This aligns with the call to trust God to supply all needs.
• Maintain Focus: To avoid unnecessary distractions and commitments that might hinder one's ability to effectively serve God and proclaim His truth. The mission of the Kingdom requires singular devotion.