Mark 6:7-13
Sent Out Two by Two
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7Then Jesus called the Twelve to Him and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits.
8He instructed them to take nothing but a staff for the journey—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts—
9and to wear sandals, but not a second tunic.
10And He told them, “When you enter a house, stay there until you leave that area.
11If anyone will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that place, as a testimony against them.”
12So they set out and preached that the people should repent.
13They also drove out many demons and healed many of the sick, anointing them with oil.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Jesus calls the Twelve and sends them out in pairs, giving them authority over unclean spirits. The power for their work comes from Him. They go as His messengers, not as people who have acquired authority of their own.
Their provisions are limited: a staff and sandals, but no bread, bag, money or extra tunic. These instructions leave them dependent on hospitality during this mission. When they enter a house, they are to remain there until they leave the area.
Some places will not welcome them or hear the message. Jesus prepares them for that possibility. They are to shake the dust from their feet on leaving as a testimony against the place. The gesture marks the seriousness of rejecting the message; it is not simply a way to put disappointment behind them.
The Twelve go and call people to repent. They also drive out demons and anoint and heal many sick people. Their work joins a summons to turn toward God with visible acts of deliverance and care.
Jesus does not wait until the disciples have no more to learn before entrusting them with work. He gives authority, instructions and companions. Their task is to obey His commission, receive the provision offered and carry His message faithfully, including when it is refused.
Questions
1 Where does the Twelve’s authority come from?
AnswerJesus gives it to them. Their ability to confront unclean spirits is part of His commission, not an independent power they claim.
2 How will they be provided for on this journey?
AnswerThey are to travel with limited supplies and receive hospitality. Once a household welcomes them, they should stay there until leaving the area.
3 What does shaking the dust from their feet mean here?
AnswerIt is testimony against a place that refuses to welcome or hear them. Jesus treats rejection of His message as consequential.
4 What message do they preach?
AnswerThey call people to repent. Their healing and deliverance accompany a message about turning toward God, not merely making life more comfortable.
What This Means for Us
Christian service begins with receiving from Christ. We need His truth, His help and the companionship of other believers. The disciples’ dependence challenges the pride that always wants to give help but never receive it.
Their particular packing instructions are not a rule forbidding preparation for every journey. The lasting call is to trust the Lord and serve faithfully. When we speak of Him, include the invitation to turn toward God, and respect another person’s response without pretending the truth no longer matters if it is refused.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, make us faithful with the message You entrust to Your people. Give us humility to receive help and courage to speak of repentance and mercy. Keep our service dependent on You. Amen.