Even in the days of GPS, I still sometimes get lost. I miss the cue from my phone’s directional app; I look for a sign that isn’t there. Suddenly, I’ve blown past my exit or turnoff. Many of us will spend time on the road this summer or in other modes of travel. We’ll look for signs along the way, digital or analog, that help us arrive safely at our destination.
Jesus is also on a journey this summer in the lectionary readings from Luke’s Gospel. Scholars call the midsection of Luke the “travel narrative,” as Jesus sets his face (and feet) toward Jerusalem (9:53). Jesus is on the move toward his final earthly destination, and he has a lot of things to teach his disciples along the way. There are things he doesn’t want them to miss, both for the sake of their journey in this world and in the next.
First, Jesus sends out 72 followers on an ultimate road trip (10:1-10). Their travel instructions are to travel light and rely on the hospitality of others. Along the way, the disciples are to speak a word of peace, heal the sick and proclaim that the kingdom of God has come near.
This kingdom-talk is intended to be good news. God’s kingdom, as understood in the New Testament, isn’t created by parliaments or presidents. It’s a realm—both here and in the world to come—where love, mercy and justice reign. God’s kingdom is inclusive and expansive, trusting and forgiving. This kingdom isn’t realized fully here on earth, but there are some signs along the way.
Look then, through this kingdom lens, at the readings from Luke 10 and 11 that immediately follow the story of the sending of the disciples. For those who seek signs of God’s kingdom, Luke has some travel instructions.
- Help strangers. A lawyer asks Jesus who is a neighbor. Jesus tells a story that makes a hero out of the hated Samaritans. Here is a sign of the kingdom: help those in need, especially the stranger (10:25-37).
- Listen to God. Jesus visits Mary and Martha, and the latter is distracted by her many tasks. Mary sits at the feet of Jesus, which he says is the better part. Here is a sign of the kingdom: listen to Jesus (10:38-42).
- Pray. The disciples ask Jesus how to pray. He teaches them persistence in prayer and to believe that God hears and answers. Here is a sign of the kingdom: pray with confidence to our generous God (11:1-13).
There are a lot of signs out there on the road. Many advertise a kingdom of power and glory. I’ve taken these exits, which eventually prove to be dead ends. Luckily, God recalculates—a most forgiving GPS. There’s always another way home, with plenty of kingdom signs—and kingdom practices—for those who seek them.
