Who Is Worthy?
Jesus said, “Whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city” (Matthew 10:11-15).
Who Is Worthy — When the disciples went out to preach, Jesus instructed them that when they arrived in a city make a judgment as to who was worthy. Some contend that in light of Matthew 7:1 Christians cannot judge others. However, Jesus rather demands that righteous judgments be made (John 7:24). How is one to determine who is worthy. It is certainly not by emotions, intuition, prejudice, or looks. In verses 13 and 14, there are three considerations suggested.
First: One is not worthy if he will not receive the messenger of the gospel. Hospitality has always been a characteristic of those who follow the Lord. The Hebrew writer said, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” (13:2). One of the great sins of Sodom and Gomorrah, cities mentioned in our text, was their abuse of their guests (See Genesis 19:1-6).
Second: One is not worthy if he will not hear the words of the messenger. In verse 13, Jesus said once a worthy household is found, “let your peace come upon it.” True peace is in Christ (John 16:33). That can be had only by hearing His voice. He said, “Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me” (John 6:45). Another of the great sins of Sodom and Gomorrah, was that they would not listen to the message (See Genesis 19:7-9). We often speak the message to “one who turns away his ear from hearing the law” (Proverbs 28:9).
Third: One is not worthy if he will not repent of sin. It cannot be overlooked that Sodom and Gomorrah were steeped in sin. Their very names stood for wickedness (Matthew 11:23-24; Luke 10:12, 13; 17:29; Romans 9:29; 2 Peter 2:6; Jude 7). Our word sodomy comes from the evil of that city (See Genesis 19:5-9). While this is identified as an alternative life style and an alternative sexual preference, Peter said it is “filthy conduct of the wicked,” and Jude said it is “sexual immorality (fornication, KJV),” “ungodly ways” (verse 15), and those who practice them are “ungodly sinners.” Jesus said, “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3-5).
When Jesus through His providential care sends messengers of the gospel to you, do your receive them gladly? Do you listen for the message of God and receive it? Do you repent of sin and obey the gospel in baptism (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4; 16-18)? Do it today!!!