Sharing the Gospel the Hard Way - Luke 22:35-36

"And he said to them, 'When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?' They said, 'Nothing.' He said to them, 'But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.'" This commission to His disciples just prior to His arrest and crucufixion is in direct contrast to His directive when Jesus sent out the twelve and then the seventy-two on their first mission trip early in His ministry: "And he said to them, 'Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart'" (Luke 9:3-4; 10:4-5). In the times in which we live, sharing the gospel is often no easy matter and people may not receive you and the gospel with open arms.The charge to share the gospel has not changed; the circumstances under which you do it has. Since you may not always be well received, do not depend on the hospitality and goodwill of others to share the gospel; do it using your own resources if necessary but still do it. And there may be a few bad guys along the way so be prepared to defend yourself!