July 1, 2026
Passage to read: Matthew 10:40-42
This week’s passage concludes the Disciples Discourse.
The discourse as a whole, Mt. 9:35—10:42, is clear that though it focuses on the twelve (sometimes Jesus calls them disciples and sometimes he calls them apostles), it is addressed to all disciples of Jesus of every generation.
“Whoever receives you receives me.”
“Whoever rejects you rejects me” (Luke 10:16).
Recall from the Sermon on the Mount immediately following the Beatitudes: “You are the salt of the earth; if the salt has become tasteless, with what will it be salted? … You are the light of the world …. No one lights a lamp and places it under a bushel but on the lampstand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. Therefore let your light shine among all people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in the heavens” (Mt. 5:13-16).
“The world” is in a mess and always has been and always will be. Be not confused. Jesus made it abundantly clear that the world will always be troubled. He urged us, again from the Sermon on the Mount, to “Seek first the Kingdom of God.” In the Disciples Discourse, he sends all disciples to proclaim the good news, “Turn around, God’s Kingdom is near.”
As your fellow disciple, I urge us all not to be anxious, overwhelmed, or caught up in the troubles of the world. Rather, let us remember, “Whoever receives me receives Jesus.” “Whoever rejects me rejects Jesus.”
What is the focus of your thought life?
When you are out and about, are you aware that you are sent?
When you see people, what do they see in you? In your face? In your words? In your tone? In your behavior?
Do you remember that you are the salt, the light, the representative of Jesus?
Please, I hope you hear this as good news, not bad news. It invites us to focus on the very good news of our own relationship with Jesus … Presence, Love, Grace, Mercy, Hope, Faith, Joy, Comfort in the necessary losses and grief of life … We can, indeed, be salt and light and Jesus’ presence, whoever we are, wherever we are.
Jesus has expressed remarkable confidence in us. He has given each of us the most important life’s mission there is.
Bless you and blessed be God!
You remain in my prayers,
Jim
