Where There’s Blayze

Have you ever read the Gospels and wondered, “What didn’t make the final cut?”

Now before you start writing emails to the Methodist church — don’t worry — I believe in the authority and authenticity of Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us it’s God-breathed, and I hold firmly to that truth. But let’s not forget: the Gospels were written by the disciples and their followers. So… I can’t help but wonder what moments they didn’t include.

The Disciples: Relatable or Redacted?

To be fair, the Gospel writers were often shockingly honest about their failings, especially Peter. And when he wasn’t honest, the other writers made sure his low points got published anyway.

But in Luke 10, we get this lovely little moment where Jesus sends out 72 people in pairs to spread the good news. And if you flip just one chapter back, you’ll see He had already sent out the Twelve. What strikes me is how smooth it all sounds. No hiccups. No, “James forgot his cloak and got sunburnt,” or “Bartholomew said something weird at dinner again.”

Which makes me think… Really? No mistakes? Not one?

A Story About Being Sent (and Slightly Regretful)

Let me tell you why I don’t quite buy that everything went perfectly.

When I was at Bible college, we were sent out each year on mission trips. Think: a group of theology students, full of vision, energy, and a slightly dangerous level of confidence, turning up at your church for a week.

I thought I was going to bring revival. That people would touch the hem of my hoodie and be healed. Instead, I made so many mistakes. One story stands out.

We were invited to dinner at a church member’s house, lovely woman, very kind. She had her family there: an older daughter, a teenage son, and a toddler running around. Wanting to be “cool Christians,” my friend and I tried to be funny, relatable, you know, mission-minded charm.

The conversation turned toward children. I confidently declared, “I’m never having a girl.” I launched into a heartfelt, misguided speech about how I’d never survive being a girl dad. “I couldn’t handle it!” I said. “What if she gets pregnant one day?! That would ruin me!”

The woman smiled politely… and then said, “Well, my daughter here had her son when she was a teenager.”

Time. Stood. Still.

All I could manage was, “He’s a beautiful boy. You must be proud.” I was mortified.

Sent, But Not Perfect

The truth is, we are all sent by Jesus , just like the 72. But being sent doesn’t mean we’re perfect. It doesn’t mean we won’t say the wrong thing or get it spectacularly wrong from time to time. And that’s okay.

Jesus says in Luke 10:2, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” He’s not looking for flawless labourers, He’s looking for faithful ones.

Lambs Among Wolves

In verse 3, Jesus says, “I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” That’s a bit… ominous, isn’t it? He’s honest, this isn’t going to be easy. Some people will welcome you. Some people won’t. Some may even want to tear you apart.

But we’re not sent to be wolves in return. We’re not told to attack. We’re not told to force conversion. We are told to bring peace.

Jesus says in verse 5, “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’” We are called to be a blessing, not a burden.

One time, when I was doing pioneer ministry, we felt convicted during a prayer meeting to bless a local teacher. So we bought him some chocolate, turned up on his doorstep, and just said, “We wanted to bless you.” That simple act opened a door to a wonderful evening of conversation and connection. No preaching, no pressure, just peace.

Eat What’s Set Before You

Another detail I love is in verse 7: “Eat and drink whatever they give you.” Don’t be picky. Don’t be proud. Just receive what’s given, humbly. It’s a small reminder that we’re not there to be honoured, we’re there to serve.

You Are Not Alone

One of the most encouraging verses in this passage is Luke 10:16: “Whoever listens to you listens to me.” When you speak peace, share the Gospel, or simply bless someone, Jesus is present in that moment. You might feel like it’s just you and your ministry partner fumbling your way through, but it’s really a trio. Jesus is with you.

That means when you pray, when you encourage, when you offer peace, you’re not doing it on your own. You are carrying the presence of Christ with you.

Shake It Off

But what if it doesn’t go well? Jesus already covered that. Verse 11: “Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you.” In other words, shake it off.

If people reject you, reject your message, or reject the peace you bring, don’t let that cling to you. Don’t carry that burden. Shake it off. Let it go. (Taylor Swift theology, anyone?)

So, Are We a Blessing or a Burden?

Here’s the challenge. When we show up in people’s lives, as friends, neighbours, coworkers, church folk, are we a blessing? Or a burden?

Because Jesus has sent us. Not just the Twelve. Not just the “super Christians.” All of us. Commissioned to go, to love, to serve, to speak peace.

And if we get it wrong? If we say something ridiculous? If we make a complete mess of it?

Learn from it. Apologise if needed. Then shake the dust, and keep going.

Because we’re not called to be perfect.

We’re called to be sent.