Knowing When to Leave... | Why Jesus Sent the Disciples TWO by TWO?

The wise know that there are times that a purposeful retreat is the wisest course of action. Perhaps not even a retreat but a change of direction. Proverbs 25:17 states: “Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house, lest he have his fill of you and hate you. (ESV)” Knowing when to depart someone’s presence, a place, or a situation is a sign of wisdom. It is as important to how to depart, as well. After Jesus had made a tour of the villages in the area preaching in the synagogues and streets, He return to commission The Twelve to do the same. They were sent out by twos with the priority of preaching repentance for the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand (vs. 12-13). Authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons by the power of the Spirit. The Twelve were given very specific instructions by the Lord Jesus about how to carry out this mission. In the passage before us today we see three accounts where departure and/or rejection are in view.