What does Luke 10:8 mean?

Seventy-two followers of Jesus receive these instructions as they prepare to travel. Jesus sends them to towns and villages, healing, casting out demons, and preaching that the kingdom of God is near. God will provide for their needs. When they enter a city, they are to find a family open to their message and stay until they leave that city. That family will provide them food (Luke 10:1–7).

The meaning of "eat what is set before you" is not exactly clear. It may mean that they should eat even if the food blatantly does not comply with the regulations on clean food, what we would call kosher (Leviticus 11). This probably isn't the case since Jesus won't lift the kosher law until Acts 10:9–16. More likely, it means that the disciples shouldn't worry if the food does not fit the standards given by the extra-biblical writings that the Pharisees enforce. Additionally, the disciples must accept whatever humble meal they are given and not try to win invitations to different homes with better food, as traveling teachers and magicians might.

In addition, Jesus may be speaking about the company at the meal. He dined with tax-collectors and sinners, and presumably Samaritans. His disciples should, too, but it will take them a long time before they feel comfortable about it (Galatians 2:11–14).

Luke 10:8–9 has the same pattern as verses 10–11: the disciples enter a town, determine the town's reception, and respond accordingly, then God determines His response: blessing or judgment.