Shake Off the Dust

Mk 6:11 “…shake the dust off the soles of your feet…”
 
Summary Notes
What did Jesus say?

Jesus told his twelve closest disciples to publicly shake the dust off the soles of their feet.

Why would He say this?

Jesus sent His disciple to the cities where He would soon be visiting, They were instructed to deliver a message to prepare the people for the visit. To validate the message Jesus gave the disciples incredible and unprecedented power to miraculously heal physical ailments and spiritual bondage. In spite of the power they were to demonstrate, Jesus knew from experience that the disciples would face rejection by some. 

But rather than to get upset about rejection, Jesus instructed them to shake off the dust of the town from their feet. By this action the townsfolk of that culture would understand that the pair of disciples who shook off the dust  were absolving themselves of their responsibility to share their miracles or message. The pair would then just go the the next town and hope for a better reception.

Click here to go directly to my personal application and your comments or continue with my full notes.

 

COMMAND 196: “…shake the dust off the soles of your feet…”
REFERENCE:
This is the Frankfort Michigan North Pierhead shining its light at dusk.
The tower and its light is there to guide mariners in day or night and in good or bad weather. Jesus’ commands are like that to guide the souls of men and women. More images are in the Photo Gallery.  Click here to see why I like lighthouses.

Mk 6:11; See also Mt 10:14; Lk 9:5

RECIPIENT: 

The twelve disciples

CONTEXT:

After Jesus departed Nazareth, He equipped His twelve closest disciples to perform unmistakable and unprecedented miracles of healing. He then sent them in pairs to the towns that He planned to visit.  Presumably they were to prepare the people for Jesus’ arrival and to receive His message favorably. 

 

Mark  

Mk 6:7-10 And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits; 8and He instructed them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff–no bread, no bag, no money in their belt– 9but to wear sandals, and He added, Do not put on two tunics. 10And He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave town.” 11“Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there…”

Matthew

Mt 10:1; 5-10 Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.
5These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them: Do not go in the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans; 6but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.9“Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, 10or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support. 11“And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. 12“As you enter the house, give it your greeting.
13“If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace.” 14“Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city…”

Luke

Lk 9:1-4a And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. 2And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing. 3And He said to them, Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have two tunics apiece. 4Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that city. 5And as for those who do not receive you, as you go out from that city…”

COMMAND FULL TEXT:  

Mk 6:11b “…shake the dust off the soles of your feet for a testimony against them.

Mt 10:14b “…shake the dust off your feet.”

Lk 9:5b shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”

RESULT:

Mk 6:12-14 They went out and preached that men should repent. 13And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them. 14And King Herod heard of it, for His name had become well known; and people were saying, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are at work in Him. 

Mt 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them.
Mt 11:1 When Jesus had finished giving instructions to His twelve disciples, He departed from there to teach and preach in their cities.

Lk 9:6 Departing, they began going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere

MY  COMMENTS AND NOTES:

Jesus sent His disciple to the cities where He would soon be visiting. He instructed them to deliver a message to prepare them for the visit. To validate the message He gave them incredible and unprecedented power to miraculously heal people of their physical ailments and spiritual bondage. In spite of the power they were to demonstrate, Jesus knew from experience that the disciples would face rejection by some. What other power could these disciples have wielded in their indignation and anger? Jesus does mention the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:22 – 19:29)! However, in mercy, Jesus instructed the disciples to literally shake the dust from their shoes rather than to call down condemnation.

DEFINITIONS:  Key Greek Words – Removes ambiguity of the Bible text

shake: G1621  ἐκτιναìσσω ek-tin-as’-so ‘  — to shake violently

dust: G2868  κονιορτοìς kon-ee-or-tos’   — dust

MY PERSONAL APPLICATIONS: Please share your own application in the comments

Your sincere greeting of cheer or your message of vital knowledge may be rejected. Don’t be too surprised if occasionally someone takes offence ta your good attitude, words or deeds.  You need not take the rejection personally because you have no idea what they’ve experienced in life. Instead, let your peace remain with you and brighten someone else’s day. Perhaps they will be more receptive.    

RETURN TO COMMAND

© 2021 Christopher Carlson

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

Please share a comment, question or perhaps another application for this command of Jesus.

2 Replies to “

Shake Off the Dust

  1. Thank you, Christopher. This is a reminder that not everyone is interested in what Christ is offering. After walking with Jesus more than 50 years, I have discovered that there are some folks that feel like they are just fine, life is good, nice family, good job, good reputation. They have never made room in their heart for a relationship with Him. As a Christ follower I am compelled to tell others about my Savior. The Holy Spirit is the one who does the rest. Sometimes, “shake the dust from my sandals,” is something I need to do… Then pray!

    1. I appreciate your comment and agree wholeheartedly. “Shaking off the dust,” doesn’t meant I don’t care. I could go on but really, I think you said it very well.

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