Meaning of Matthew 10:12

This instruction, given by Jesus to his disciples during their initial mission to evangelize, emphasizes the importance of a gracious and peace-bringing approach when entering a household. It is not merely a polite social custom, but a deliberate act intended to declare peace and establish a receptive atmosphere for the Gospel message. The greeting, therefore, is a spiritual declaration, signifying that the disciples are bringing God's blessing and a desire for reconciliation, setting the stage for their subsequent proclamation of the Kingdom of God.

Context and Background

Jesus is commissioning his twelve disciples for a specific mission within Israel, before his ascension and the broader spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles. They are instructed to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 10:6) and to preach that the "kingdom of heaven has come near" (Matthew 10:7). This instruction about greeting a home is part of a larger set of directives concerning their conduct, provision, and message. The disciples are to rely on God's providence, healing the sick and proclaiming the good news. The greeting is the initial point of contact, setting the tone for their ministry in each dwelling they enter.

Key Themes and Messages

• Peace as a Precursor to the Gospel: The greeting signifies the invocation of peace upon the household. This peace is not just the absence of conflict, but a deeper spiritual well-being and harmony with God. It is a declaration that the disciples come with a message of reconciliation and salvation.
• Intentionality in Ministry: The instruction highlights the deliberate nature of their evangelistic work. Every action, including the initial greeting, is meant to be purposeful in conveying the divine message and establishing a positive spiritual environment.
• The Authority of the Disciples: By commanding them to "give it your greeting," Jesus bestows upon his disciples the authority to pronounce blessing and peace. This reflects their role as representatives of the King of Kings.
• Discernment and Response: While the verse commands the greeting, later verses in the same chapter (Matthew 10:13-14) indicate that the disciples are to discern whether the household is "worthy" and to move on if they are not received. The greeting is the initial step in this discernment process.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers today, this verse calls for a similar intentionality and grace in our interactions, particularly when sharing our faith or ministering to others. It suggests that our initial approach should be characterized by peace, humility, and a desire to bless. It encourages us to be mindful of the spiritual atmosphere we bring into homes and communities, and to pray for receptivity before we even speak. The greeting serves as a reminder that ministry begins with a posture of peace and goodwill, reflecting the very nature of God's offer of salvation.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The concept of peace (Hebrew: shalom, Greek: eirēnē) is central to the biblical narrative. From the peace offered to Abraham to the peace promised by the prophets and ultimately embodied in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), peace is a hallmark of God's covenant and redemptive work. The disciples' greeting echoes this overarching theme, as they bring a foretaste of the ultimate peace that comes through Christ's atoning sacrifice. Their mission is to extend God's peace, which is a direct consequence of His salvific plan for humanity.

Analogies

One analogy for this instruction is that of a diplomat entering a foreign land. Before presenting any formal proposals or engaging in deep negotiation, the diplomat offers a formal greeting, extending goodwill and respect, thus establishing a foundation for communication. Similarly, the disciples' greeting is a spiritual overture, signaling their peaceful intentions and opening the door for spiritual dialogue. Another analogy could be a doctor entering a patient's home to offer healing; the initial interaction is often characterized by a calm and reassuring demeanor, setting the patient at ease before the medical assessment and treatment begin.

Relation to Other Verses

• Luke 10:5-6: This parallel passage in Luke provides even more explicit detail: "Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on him. But if not, it will return to you." This highlights the reciprocal nature of the blessing and the discernment involved.
• Romans 10:15: Quoting Isaiah, Paul writes, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" This verse underscores the positive impact of those who bring God's message, and the greeting is the initial step in that process.
• John 14:27: Jesus says to his disciples, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." This verse reveals that the peace Jesus offers is of a different quality than worldly peace, and the disciples are to be conduits of this divine peace.