What does Matthew 10:13 mean?
The Twelve, Jesus' core disciples, have been sent out in pairs into the region of Galilee. They will travel from town to town preaching the good news that the kingdom of heaven in near in the person of Jesus: He is the Messiah. To back this up, they will heal diseases and cast out demons as He has done. They will be His representatives to the people of Israel (Matthew 10:5–10).Jesus has told them to find someone worthy when they come into a town or village and to stay with that person (Matthew 10:11–12). Hospitality was a high cultural value at this time and in this part of the world. Most people felt obligated to welcome those in need of a place to stay into their homes. Jesus, though, is telling the disciples that they are the ones who will be giving the greater gift by allowing others to host them.
By worthy, Jesus means those who receive the message of the disciples about the coming of the kingdom of heaven. In receiving Jesus' representatives, they will be receiving Jesus (Matthew 10:14).
Now Jesus tells the disciples to let their peace be upon the house if it is worthy. Otherwise, they must let that peace return to them and move on. Jesus had given to these apostles the authority to heal and to cast out demons. Now we see they also have the authority to place His peace upon a place and to remove it. In a chaotic world, the Son of God carried the peace of heaven with Him. Those who hosted His "sent ones" would enjoy that peace during their stay.
