We’re often quick to point out the love and grace of Jesus, but we’re less bold to unpack the judgement and condemnation. But, what about when you don’t even get a chance to share? Jesus gave us this warning: “And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them” (Mark 6:11). 

 

It’s easy to interpret this as Jesus telling you to just ‘shake off your losses and move on.’ And you’d be right – that friend whose not receptive to church or to let you explain what’s most important in your life – probably a good idea to focus your attention elsewhere.

 

Yet there’s some deeper meaning here. Jesus tells us that shaking the dust off our feet will serve as a testimony against them. For the Jews to shake the dust off their feet somewhere was to symbolize that this place is unworthy. They’d usually do this when leaving Gentile territory.

 

So for you and me it’s not to condemn someone with our actions but to remind them that they’re trampling our treasure. Jesus is to be respected, so is his message. Perhaps God is calling you not to give up on that friend, but to move on, and to do so in a way that reminds them of what they’re missing out on.