Mark 6:7-13
Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them. Mark 6:7-13 (NIV)
In this passage, Jesus tells his disciples to go out and heal people. By doing this, they are spreading the love of God. It seems this is the start of spreading the Good News that Jesus brings.
If you are planning a trip (business or pleasure), you would typically prepare by packing everything you might need. The basics would include money, your phone, clothes, etc. Depending on what you are doing, you might need a computer, a passport, tickets, etc.
The disciples have a big job to do, so you would think they would have to be prepared for whatever they run into. But Jesus tells the disciples not to bring anything! They are to trust that God will provide everything they need.
We often make excuses for why we can’t do something. “I can’t tell people about my faith because I don’t speak very well.” “I can’t serve at the Food Bank because I don’t have time.” “I can’t give money to that worthy cause because I need to redo my kitchen.”
Jesus doesn’t want us to make excuses for why we can’t do his work in this world. He gives us everything we need. Some people won’t accept what we’re saying or doing (see verse 11), but we need to continue to try to reach more people. Our job is to bring God’s kingdom to earth.
Questions for Reflection:
- Think of a time you felt like you should do something (talk to someone about your faith, volunteer for a worthy cause, etc.), but you made an excuse for why you couldn’t do it. How could you react in the future if presented with that opportunity again?
Prayer
Gracious God, you provide everything I need to do your work in this world. Thank you for all the opportunities you give me! Help me to remember that you are always with me. Amen.
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