Do Small Things With Great Love

By Alessandra Velsor

“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts—no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.”—Matthew 10:9–15 (NIV)

The twelve disciples had gone through three years of training under Jesus, and the time had come to send them out as apostles “to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness” (Matthew 10:1 NIV). The disciples weren’t selected because they were the most influential, wealthiest, strongest, smartest, or most moral. Jesus picked them because they represented the common man—they represented US. They came from different backgrounds: some were fishermen, one was a tax collector, and another a doctor. Two would betray Him, and one out of the two would end up repenting. Jesus knew this when He chose them—and that didn’t stop Him from loving them to the point of death.

Twelve ordinary apprentices were sent out as apostles with the commission to make disciples. For those who love Star Wars, they were padawans to Jesus’ Yoda! This isn’t your international mission trip; it’s more like your local short-term mission trip. They weren’t being sent out to execute the GREAT commission, as they hadn’t graduated from the school of apostleship yet. So, for now, Jesus had given them parameters to remain within Israel and avoid going to Gentiles and Samaritans (Matthew 10:5–6). Don’t get it wrong, Jesus loves the world and came to save it (John 3:16), but His plan was to reach the house of Israel first before expanding His ministry. Also, keep in mind Jesus had already ministered to a Samaritan woman in John 4.

Only Jesus could give them the authority to preach and call them apostles, which means “the ones who are sent out, messengers, ambassadors.” As He sent them on their first mission, Jesus tells them, “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8 NIV). Then He followed them, giving them a bunch of instructions that would scare us off from following Him. If you think John the Baptist was radical in eating locusts and wild honey, try not taking any luggage with you on a trip! No extra shirt or underwear, no toothpaste, no camera to document your adventures, no travel insurance, NOTHING! Then go to random houses and stay with strangers, only if they’re friendly and hospitable, of course!

This doesn’t mean these people had better skills or attributes; it simply meant they were ready to receive the good news of Jesus Christ. However, the disciples were warned to expect to be rejected because not everyone will receive them with arms wide open.When this happened, they were to “leave that home and shake the dust off their feet,” which is an adage for “taking back the blessing.” This is our reminder to focus on those who are open to learning and who are responsive to the Word of God. We’re not to argue with those who show hostility or apathy to the gospel. We just move on to those who want to hear.

Although Jesus called His disciples to be radical in their application of faith, His calling to us could be much simpler. He’s not asking us to be the greatest speaker to communicate the gospel or to heal the incurable. He wants us to start small, just where we are. That could be at the family table, our job, our school, or as we gather with friends. We don’t have to go far to share the good news, we can do so just where He's placed us!

Pause: Meditate on this quote by Mother Teresa: “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”

Practice: Read Mark 12:18–34 where Jesus shares the greatest commandment. This is what He calls us to do. Reflect on how you’re working on executing His calling in your life. What are the “small things” you can do to glorify Him today?

Pray: My Lord, I’m so humbled You’ve chosen me as Your child, as Your disciple, and as Your apostle. Thank You for the opportunities You provide me to serve You and tell others about Your amazing love and grace. In times I struggle with fears and insecurities, fill me with Your confidence to do Your work as long as it fulfills Your will. Help me not feel offended when rejection happens. Instead, guide me to the next person You want to reach. The gospel isn’t about me, it’s all about You, Jesus. Amen.