Sent on a Mission!
They went out and preached that people should repent. Mark 6:12
Mark doesn’t tell us how long the disciples had been following Jesus. They had the benefit of being with Jesus all the time. They had witnessed many, many miracles. They had heard Jesus teach and preach. They observed how Jesus interacted with people. They even had seen how Jesus’ hometown rejected him.
Then Mark (6:7) tells us that Jesus sent them out two by two. He doesn’t tell us the disciples personal reaction to the command. Were they hesitant? Filled with fear? Confident in their own ability? We aren’t told. They weren’t allowed to take anything for the journey except their staff. The only other thing they had was Jesus’ authority. Verse 12 tells us they obeyed.
Remember that the Scriptures were given for our learning. It means that through it, God is speaking to us. Does this story mean that we need to go on a mission trip with just our staff? “No bread, no bag, no money in their money belts” (6:9)?
But the principle that is expressed in verse 12 does apply to us. First, we need to apply it to ourselves. We have a need to repent. We have sinned and deserve God’s punishment. But remember also the good news that God’s Word has delivered. Jesus has lived, Jesus has died, and now Jesus lives again. He led the perfect life on our behalf. He took the punishment that we deserved to the cross and paid the price. His resurrection proves it!
What is Jesus’ will for your life? To see your sins and repent. That news isn’t just for you. Like the first disciples, we need to go and tell. Having been saved we are sent on a Mission!
Lord Jesus, thank you for your victory over sin, death and the devil. Always give us the courage to apply it to ourselves and boldly proclaim it to all. Amen.