May 17, 2016
AN EXCITING AND EXCEPTIONAL EXPEDITION
Mark 6:7–13
Julie Spurr
Central Truth
All believers are on a daily mission trip for Jesus. Our job is to proclaim the name of Jesus and call everyone to repentance. Don't burden yourself with material items so you can focus on Jesus' mission.
Key Verse | Mark 6:8–9
He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts—but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. (Mark 6:8-9)
Mark 6:7–13
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles
7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged 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 put on two tunics. 1 6:9 Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin 10 And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.
Dive Deeper | Mark 6:7–13
I am an overpacker. When I arrive at my destination, I want to be comfortable and prepared for all activities and every kind of weather. The vast amount of items that accompany me on a trip drag me down, cause worry, and become a burden.
Jesus sent His disciples with only the clothes on their backs. No bag, no money, and not even an extra pair of shoes. Without any provisions, they would not be able to be self-sufficient at all. The travelers were to lean on the hospitality of others and trust Jesus to provide for their needs. The disciples were told to stay in the first home that accepted them and not move to a more luxurious and comfortable home. They were to be so focused on their task that personal comfort was irrelevant. Had they brought a lot of extra items with them, they would not have had the opportunity to witness Jesus' care for their physical needs through the hospitality of others.
Jesus sent His ambassadors on a journey to prepare them for the future and to extend His own ministry. In ancient times, a messenger had the same authority as the one who sent him. The disciples were sent with the authority of Jesus. In fact, Jesus says,"The one who hears you hears me" (Luke 10:16a). They learned that the power of Jesus goes beyond where He is physically. The miracles that they were able to do proved that their message was from God.
The disciples were sent out in pairs so that the message would be accepted because two men were saying the same thing. The pair was also able to give moral support to each other. Having other believers involved in our mission is vital. They can support us, encourage us, and remind us not to overpack our lives. I often need a gentle reminder to not be distracted from the mission by my own agenda or daily "to do" list. Community has been a blessing in my life, and I have learned it is always better to travel through life with others.
Discussion Questions
1. Are you trusting Jesus to provide for your daily needs, or are you overpacking?
2. Are you about God's business every day or your own business?
3. Are you traveling and walking through life with companions who speak truth to you?