“Peace to This Household”: Understanding Luke 10:5-6.

In Luke 10:5-6, Jesus instructs His disciples on how to greet those they meet as they spread the message of the Kingdom of God: “Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.”

This passage offers deep insight into the nature of peace and the spiritual dynamic of sharing God's message. Jesus sends His disciples to proclaim the Gospel with an attitude of peace and goodwill. By offering peace as their initial greeting, they are extending God’s blessing, a gesture of welcome, grace, and divine favour.

Peace as a Gift of God

The peace referred to here is not just a casual greeting, but a spiritual blessing from God. It represents more than just the absence of conflict; it’s the deep, inner tranquillity that comes from living in harmony with God’s will. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is teaching His followers to be conduits of that peace wherever they go.

The Response of the Heart

The passage suggests that not everyone will receive the peace offered. The phrase “if a peaceful person lives there” implies that the reception of peace depends on the heart of the individual. Those open to God’s message, who live with a posture of peace, will receive and benefit from the blessing. On the other hand, those who reject the peace or are closed off to the message will not be able to retain it, and the peace will “return to you.”

This means that the disciples should not be discouraged if their offer of peace is rejected. Their peace remains intact, and they are not to be weighed down by rejection. They carry the presence and peace of Christ with them, regardless of others' responses.

Application for Today

In our own lives, we are called to be bearers of peace. Like the disciples, we can extend God’s peace to those we meet through our words, actions, and attitudes. However, just as in Jesus’ time, not everyone will be receptive to it. This passage encourages us to continue offering peace freely, trusting that it will rest on those who are open, and to move forward with peace in our hearts, even when it is rejected.

Ultimately, this passage reminds us of the power of peace and the importance of being faithful to our calling as messengers of God's love, even when faced with rejection.