In Mark 6:11 Jesus instructed his disciples to shake the dust off their feet if their message was rejected. Traveling Jews were known to shake off the defiling Gentile dust when re-entering Jewish territory. Jesus repurposed this practice by making it about the kingdom message rather than ethnicity. Anyone who rejected his messengers was spurning the freedom and deliverance they offered and would observe the disciples shaking the dust off their feet as a solemn witness to their rejection. Jesus prepared his disciples to handle failure and rejection. Rather than getting angry or defensive, they were to demonstrate a culturally recognized sign as a testimony against their antagonists. Serving leaders help their followers engage all types of audiences. Refusing to resort to either coercion or argument, they simply point toward the outcome of wrong choices. This type of response has redemptive implications.

Lead, love, and serve, like Jesus!

KEY QUESTIONS: How do I handle failure and rejection? Do I tend to defend myself or my message? How can I more effectively point people toward the outcome of their wrong choices? Which type of audience do I struggle with the most?