The Grands Letter (Luke/GLJ)
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D. on September 20, 2026 4:56 am (CST)
Dear Grands,
Luke 9:1-6, “And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases.
2 And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing.
3 And 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.
4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that city.
5 And as for those who do not receive you, as you go out from that city, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.’
6 Departing, they began going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.”
It’s a peculiar reminiscence, but I recall a time when I was in evangelistic work that I was informed that I was to stay in a certain house for a night or two and move to another for another specified time. I smiled and repeated verse four above; and thus, spent the entire time I was in that vicinity at the same house.
I have to admit that I had no idea what verse five meant with respect to shaking “the dust off” of one’s feet. Subsequent to that time, I have learned there is more than one meaning to be derived from that verse. Shaking the dust off of one’s feet was a symbolic act, a testimony against those who rejected the Gospel. It also signified the devastation of separation and final judgment –not something anyone should ever want!
I’m sure we often wonder whether those who refuse the Gospel we offer, ever come to the faith in Jesus Christ. We should continue to pray for them and trust that they will receive Him as their LORD and Savior. We are not and cannot be held to account for what they do; but we must continue to pray for their salvation. You may ultimately have to “shake the dust off of your feet,” in their regard; but we should pray until the burden is lifted. The LORD will see to that.
Heartily in Christ,
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
United States of America
We will never know that Christ is all we need,
Until He becomes all that we have. – Corrie ten Boom
