Sharing the gospel is one of the greatest privileges we have as Christians. We desire for others to know the truth and experience the salvation that Jesus offers.
However, not everyone will be receptive, and sometimes we must recognize when it is time to move on. This concept is known as "shaking the dust off your feet," a practice Jesus instructed His disciples to follow when people rejected their message.
Jesus' Instruction to His Disciples
In Luke 9, Jesus sent out His twelve disciples to preach, heal, and proclaim the kingdom of God. As part of His instruction, He warned them that not everyone would welcome their message:
“And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” (Luke 9:5, NKJV)
This signified that they had done their part, and the responsibility for rejecting the message was now on those who refused to listen.
Biblical Examples of Shaking the Dust
This principle was later practiced by Paul and Barnabas in Antioch of Pisidia. After facing intense opposition, they did as Jesus had instructed:
“But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium.” (Acts 13:50-51, NKJV)
Another example is found in Corinth, where Paul encountered blasphemy and rejection. Instead of continuing to argue, he declared:
“And when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, ‘Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.’” (Acts 18:6, NKJV)
The Danger of Pride in Evangelism
As we share the gospel, it is easy to become emotionally invested in the outcome. Sometimes, instead of lovingly presenting the truth, we allow pride to take over, leading to frustration and arguments. However, winning an argument is not the goal—leading souls to Christ is. Paul reminds us:
“And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth.” (2 Timothy 2:24-25, NKJV)
When we see hardened hearts, we must remember that salvation is ultimately between each person and God. It is not our burden to force them to believe. Instead, we must continue in patience, knowing that rejection is not a personal attack against us, but rather against the message of Christ.
Knowing When to Walk Away
There comes a time when, despite our best efforts, a person refuses to listen. Jesus spoke to this in the Sermon on the Mount:
“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” (Matthew 7:6, NKJV)
This verse warns us that there are those who will not only reject the truth but may even respond with hostility. When this happens, it may be best to step back and move on, rather than continue pushing against a closed heart.
Paul also gave a similar instruction to Titus:
“Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition.” (Titus 3:10, NKJV)
While we should be patient and willing to reason with those who are lost, there is a point where continued effort is unfruitful. When people mock or refuse to listen, as happened in Athens (Acts 17:33), it is time to walk away.
Continuing in Prayer
Even when we move on, we should not stop praying for those we have tried to reach. Samuel expressed this attitude when speaking to Israel:
“Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.” (1 Samuel 12:23, NKJV)
Though someone may reject the gospel today, their heart may be softened later. We never know how God may continue working in their life, and our prayers can be part of that process.
We Cannot Force Belief
Shaking the dust from our feet does not mean giving up on people entirely—it means recognizing that we cannot force belief. Our job is to present the truth in love, remain patient, and leave the rest to God. If a person refuses to listen, we must not take it personally or let pride take over. Instead, we must move on, continuing to share God’s word with those who have open hearts, while always praying for those who have rejected it.