Definition: And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 9:5. It’s a really powerful and symbolic message about forgiveness and letting go. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that if someone rejects you – or doesn’t welcome you – when you leave (or “go out” of) a place, you’ll be marked by their rejection. It’s like a visible sign of their disapproval. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Luke 9:5” : This is the specific verse we're focusing on. “And whosoever will not receive you…” : This means anyone who doesn’t welcome or accept you. It’s a broad statement – anyone who turns their back on you. “…when ye go out of that city…” : This refers to leaving the place where you are. The “city” represents a situation, a community, or even a group of people. “Shake off the very dust from your feet…” : This is the key image. It’s not just about getting rid of your shoes. It means removing yourself from their influence, their presence, and their negativity. You're essentially washing yourself clean of their disapproval. Think of it like a physical removal – you're shedding off something unpleasant. “for a testimony against them.” : This is the important part! It’s suggesting that this action will leave a mark , a visible sign, that they will remember your rejection. It implies that this refusal to welcome you will be remembered, and potentially, it might affect their future actions or perceptions of you. So, what's the big takeaway? The verse is essentially saying: Don’t let rejection defeat you. It encourages us to be resilient, to not give up easily, and to remain steadfast in our beliefs and values, even when faced with negativity. It’s a reminder that your worth isn’t tied to someone else's approval. In essence, it's about forgiveness and letting go of bitterness. Does this make sense? Would you like me to: Explain the context of Luke 9:5 in more detail? Discuss what this verse might be teaching us about forgiveness?