Jesus the Jewish Cynic. Interpreting the historical Jesus as a holy fool. Chapter 6: Was Jesus really barefoot?
The only verse in question, which is relevant here, is Matthew 10:9-10:
"“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts — no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep."
Observe that Jesus says "sandals", not "extra sandals". He commanded the disciples to walk barefoot on their missionary journeys, without sandals, and Franciscus of Assisi also understood it in this way, and obeyed the commandment - and walked barefoot the rest of his life, and so did his disciples. All of them, during their master's life.
And if the Master commands someone to do something, don't you think he walks his talk? If Jesus commanded the disciples to walk barefoot, don't you think he walked barefoot himself?
Sure, The gospel of Mark says in chapter 6:10: "Wear sandals but not an extra shirt." But is Mark the first gospel, and so the more trusthworthy one? No, church tradition has always put Matthew as the first gospel, and I think it was first. Usually the more radical commandments are the earlier ones, because Jesus was very radical.
If you try to explain away this, as many rich Christians do, I think it is because they want a easier way, not because they really find their comfort and luxuries in the Scriptures.
The Cynics walked barefoot, and Jesus reminded of them in this area.
There is not much more to say about this
