Passage Introduction
This passage is part of Jesus' teaching to his disciples as he is sending them out to the surrounding villages and towns. He touches on several topics in quick succession. Perhaps he is reminding them of things they have talked about before. They are definitely things that they have seen him live out as they have been with him. In this section, Jesus gives four primary directives to his disciples as they are getting ready to go. As you read through this section, see if you can find them and reflect on how they might related to your life.
David Dalton
This passage is part of Jesus' teaching to his disciples as he is sending them out to the surrounding villages and towns. He touches on several topics in quick succession. Perhaps he is reminding them of things they have talked about before. They are definitely things that they have seen him live out as they have been with him. In this section, Jesus gives four primary directives to his disciples as they are getting ready to go. As you read through this section, see if you can find them and reflect on how they might related to your life.
David Dalton
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Study of a Flying Sparrow
Udine, Giovanni da, 1487-1564. Study of a Flying Sparrow, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=55871 [retrieved June 24, 2023]. Original source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Giovanni_Da_Udine_-_Study_of_a_Flying_Sparrow_-_WGA09431.jpg.
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Savannah Sparrow Nestlings
Fleming, Kati. Savannah Sparrow Nestlings, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=57190 [retrieved June 24, 2023]. Original source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Savannah_Sparrow,_Passerculus_sandwichensis,_nestlings_baby_birds,_in_nest_AB_Canada_(1).jpg.
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Living Out the Text: Facing anxiety
One of the things Jesus talks about with the disciples before they go out is facing fear and anxiety. He reminds them that God cares for even the little sparrows. He tells them that God knows even the most insignificant details about them and that they are far more valuable than the sparrows.
It is easy for us to focus on our fears and anxieties and get overwhelmed by them. We need to remember how much God values and cares for us and focus on that instead. As we place our trust in God and focus on him instead of our worries, fears, and anxiety, we will begin to notice those worries, fears, and anxieties begin to diminish. Make God your focus and other things begin to fade.
David Dalton
One of the things Jesus talks about with the disciples before they go out is facing fear and anxiety. He reminds them that God cares for even the little sparrows. He tells them that God knows even the most insignificant details about them and that they are far more valuable than the sparrows.
It is easy for us to focus on our fears and anxieties and get overwhelmed by them. We need to remember how much God values and cares for us and focus on that instead. As we place our trust in God and focus on him instead of our worries, fears, and anxiety, we will begin to notice those worries, fears, and anxieties begin to diminish. Make God your focus and other things begin to fade.
David Dalton