Sandals in the Bible

Sandals in the Bible show us the goodness and provision of Christ in the lives of His followers.

When Jesus sent the seventy disciples out to preach, He commanded them in Mark 6 to “be shod with sandals.” If a place did not receive them, they were to shake the dust off of their feet in a testimony against the city. In the parallel passage in Luke, the sent ones return rejoicing that the devils were subject to them. Jesus exhorts them to not rejoice over that but to instead rejoice that their names were written down in heaven.

He sent them out because He saw that that the harvest was great but the laborers were few. (Luke 10:1) In Ephesians 6, we read that the bearer of the armor of God is to have his feet “shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace.” As believers in Christ, when we put on His complete armor, like He commanded His disciples so long ago, we go forth shod. Many interpret this verse figuratively. However, what if you could follow this verse in a more literal fashion? What if, while on your pilgrimage in the holy land, you could “be shod with sandals” that were made in Jesus’ hometown of Bethlehem?

If you wish to literally “be shod in sandals,” you can stop by Zak’s Jerusalem Gifts at 24 Christian Quarter Road in the old city of Jerusalem and purchase some. Zak offers several varieties of sandals in different colors, each made of leather in Bethlehem. These sandals make a great souvenir for your loved ones back home, or for yourself to remember your trip in the steps of Jesus and of the disciples. When you or your loved ones put them on your feet, you can be mentally transported back in time to when Jesus sent forth His followers to preach of Him.

These simple sandals are a vivid reminder of our mission as His sent ones here on earth, and of His provision. In Luke 22 Jesus asks the sent ones if they lacked anything when He sent them forth. They respond that they lacked nothing. Just as He took care of them, He will take care of us.

Most importantly of all, when you go forth in Jerusalem or wherever your home is, go shod with the gospel of peace. As Romans 10 reminds us “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace.” Most importantly of all, go rejoicing that your name is written down in the Lamb’s Book of Life in Heaven.