“Then Jesus went about among the villages teaching. 7 He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff: no bread, no bag, no money in their belts, 9 but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. 10 He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. 13 They cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them” Mark 6:6-13.
Notice that Jesus is not launching the Twelve to their unbelieving countrymen too preach repentance, to cast out demons, and to anoint the sick. Jesus gives them His authority over unclean spirits and anoints them to travel two by two, which gives them at least two witnesses to the power of Christ, and providing them with some encouragement and protection. I am intrigued that Jesus gives them advice about what to say or what to do. Instead, He just instructs them on not what to bring on the trip. Just take a staff and wear just sandals. But take no provisions with you, no beggar’s bag, no money in their belt, and no change of clothing.
This list reflects something about the character of their mission. They are to go on this mission totally dependent on the generosity of others as an expression of their poverty, both materially and spiritually. They don’t travel first class. No army accompanies them. They are to be humble and totally dependent of Jesus Christ for support! As I see it, poverty and dependence on God is the only way top proclaim the Gospel.
I love that the disciples obey Jesus’ commission: “So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent” verse 12.
I believe the only way to look at this text personally is for you to examine yourself and ask this question: Just how serious am I in being used by God to bring others to Him? Just what IS the purpose of my life? Are we just to dismiss this text as something that made sense in another age and culture? I suggest we all take time today in prayer and ask ourselves: What do I need to do?
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy win me a sinner.
From the Bible:
“If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him” John 12:26.
“And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” Luke 9:23.
“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple”
Luke 14:27.
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