Shake the Dust Off Your Feet

What did Jesus mean by "Shake the dust off your feet"?

In Matthew 10:14, Jesus tells His disciples: "If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet."

At first glance, this might seem like a strange or even harsh command. But when we look deeper—both in the biblical context and cultural traditions—it reveals a profound lesson about boundaries, stewardship, and trusting God with the results.

The Cultural and Historical Context

In Jewish tradition, shaking the dust off one's feet was symbolic. When devout Jews travelled through Gentile lands, they would shake off the dust before returning home to symbolise a separation from unclean influences. Jesus took this cultural practice and applied it to situations where His disciples were not received or listened to. Rather than arguing, over-explaining, or forcing a connection, they were to move on—trusting God with the outcome.

This wasn’t about judgment but about clarity. It was a way of saying, "I have done my part; now I release this to God."

How Does This Relate to Us Today?

As Christian women, we often struggle with this. We feel responsible for making relationships work, overextending ourselves to be understood, and carrying burdens that aren’t ours to bear. Sometimes, this comes from love, but other times, it’s driven by people-pleasing, fear of rejection, or even pride—believing it’s our job to fix, heal, or convince others.

But Jesus modelled something different. He never forced His presence where He wasn’t welcomed. He spoke truth, extended love, and walked in His purpose—but He also walked away when necessary (Luke 4:28-30, Mark 6:1-6). His mission was clear, and He set boundaries to fulfil it.

Healthy Boundaries in the Life of a Christian Woman

Setting boundaries is not selfish; it is stewardship. Jesus calls us to love others and ourselves. That means recognising what is and isn’t ours to carry.

It’s not my job to:
❌ Heal others (That’s God’s role—Psalm 147:3)
❌ Please others rather than follow God (Galatians 1:10)
❌ Make it work if the effort isn’t received (Matthew 7:6)
❌ Be the one who is always compromising (Amos 3:3)
❌ Tiptoe around other people’s opinions (Ephesians 4:15)
❌ Anticipate everybody’s needs (Philippians 4:19—God is the provider)
❌ Change myself to suit others (Romans 12:2)

It is my job to:
✅ Heal with Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30)
✅ Listen to God’s call in my heart (Proverbs 3:5-6)
✅ Respect who I am and steward my resources well, including time (Ephesians 5:15-16)
✅ Be authentic (Psalm 139:14)
✅ Set boundaries that protect my energy and God’s plan for my life (Proverbs 4:23)
✅ Leave when I am not valued (Matthew 10:14)
✅ Say No when something does not align with my values and purpose (2 Corinthians 6:14)
✅ Be mindful with my Yes (Matthew 5:37)

But What About…?

1. “But aren’t we called to serve sacrificially?”

   Yes! But sacrifice does not mean self-destruction. Jesus gave His life willingly—but He also rested (Mark 6:31), withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16), and let people walk away (John 6:66). Healthy sacrifice is led by the Spirit, not by obligation or burnout.

2. “But aren’t we supposed to love others and lay down our lives?”

   Absolutely! But love is not enabling. Jesus loved the rich young ruler but let him walk away (Mark 10:21-22). He didn’t chase him down or beg him to stay. True love respects free will and trusts God with the results.

3. “But isn’t setting boundaries unloving?”

   Many Christian women struggle with the fear that saying no or setting limits makes them unkind, unchristian, or lacking in compassion. This often stems from a misunderstanding of love as limitless availability rather than Spirit-led stewardship.

However, Jesus Himself modelled love with boundaries. In Luke 4:42-43, we read that Jesus had to say no to follow through on His Yes. “At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” 

And He didn’t allow people to control His time or mission (John 7:3-6). 

Love without wisdom leads to exhaustion, resentment, and burnout—none of which honour God. True, biblical love respects both our capacity and God’s timing.

The Bottom Line

Shaking the dust off your feet is not an act of rejection; it’s an act of trust. When we release what isn’t ours to control, we open our hands to receive what God has for us. Boundaries are biblical, and they free us to walk in the fullness of God’s calling.

If Jesus set boundaries, so can we.

Are You Struggling to Set Boundaries Without Guilt?

If this message has resonated with you—if you’ve felt the weight of carrying burdens that aren’t yours to bear, of people-pleasing, over-explaining, or struggling to walk away when needed—you’re not alone.

Many Christian women wrestle with setting boundaries while staying true to their faith. It can feel like a tug-of-war between love and self-preservation, between serving others and honouring your own wellbeing.

But Jesus showed us that boundaries are not just permissible—they are essential. They help us steward our time, energy, and heart well so that we can truly walk in His peace and purpose.

I offer faith-based counselling and therapeutic support for women who need a safe space to process, heal, and find clarity. Together, we can explore what healthy boundaries look like for you—so you can move forward with confidence, peace, and trust in God’s plan.

If you’re ready to take this step, I’d love to walk alongside you.

💛 Book a session today and let’s begin this journey toward freedom and peace.