Mark 6:7-13 – Time To Put Studying Into Practice
Jesus spends time training the disciples for when He will no longer be there. They follow Him around, listen to what He teaches, and see His miracles. Now He is going to send them out to ministry, so that they can gain experience of what it is like and what their weak points will be while He is still there to help them work through it. This way, when the time comes for Him to leave, He will not be leaving completely inexperienced men to carry on the work.
Jesus sends them out in groups of two, and we see this same pattern in the early church when they send out missionaries. Two people can do more work, be company for each other, encourage and strengthen each other, and keep each other accountable to God. Jesus also gives them the power to attack Satan by casting out demons. He instructs them only to take what is necessary for the journey. They will probably be well-received by many people, and without carrying a lot of things, they will be able to focus on what they are doing.
They are not to force themselves on unwilling listeners, but instead to leave, shaking their dust off, as a sign that these people have heard the truth and rejected it. So, the disciples obey, going out and calling men and women to repent of their sins and turn to God.
Questions
- What was Jesus giving the disciples power to do?
- Why did they go out by twos?
- What were they to do if a town wouldn’t listen?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.