Seventh Sunday of Israel (G)

Luke 9:1-9

And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, ² and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. ³ And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. ⁴ And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. ⁵ And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” ⁶ And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

⁷ Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, ⁸ by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen. ⁹ Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him.

Have you ever wondered if they made sure they got all the dust off their sandals/feet? I can just see a disciple standing on one foot at the edge of town, trying to wipe all the dust off his feet. Does he use some water to make sure his feet are clean? Hopefully, the disciples did not run into too many villages like this. Maybe they didn’t even have to wipe of their feet.

I can think of some times where I have thought about wiping off my feet. But then I am reminded that they didn’t reject me. They really only frustrated me. They were not rejecting the message, but more than likely in need of the message. There are a lot of times when we are frustrated or angry with people, but we need to forgive these people.

John the Baptist said a lot of bad things about Herod. There are many people that do not think Herod ever really wanted to Kill John the Baptist. But Herod’s hand was forced and he took the life of John the Baptist. He is now in need of forgiveness. Is this why Herod is in search of Jesus Christ?

All sinners are in need of a Savior. All of us are in need of Jesus. Jesus Christ has died for the forgiveness of your sins. He died for the forgiveness of the Sins of the World. God raised his only-begotten Son from the dead as the first fruits of your resurrection. God sends you messengers to proclaim the forgiveness of your sins.