By Robert E. Jackson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Sends
Mark 6:7–13, 30–32
Sent by Jesus (7)
Jesus called His disciples to go into the world with His good news. In awe they listened to His teaching and saw remarkable signs. Now the time had come for these early followers to go beyond the role of spectators. Jesus empowered and sent the Twelve in pairs to proclaim repentance, to cast out demons and to anoint the sick.
Similarly, Jesus doesn’t call us to only “come and be filled,” but to come and be filled so that we might be sent out. In other words Jesus’ calling is not for us to become self-centered and “fat” with knowledge, but to be trained so we can be sent as change agents in this world.
Knowing this truth do we focus on gathering as a church as an end in itself? Or are we as individuals and the Church consistently going beyond the walls to impact our world? Make no mistake a professing Christian (or church) who focuses primarily on coming to services, Sunday School/small group or other inward activities while neglecting the daily aspect of being sent into the community and world will be spiritually weak and flabby. Jesus still calls to send.
Equipped by Jesus (8–11)
Jesus sent the Twelve with minimal provisions as they went out in His name. Lacking essentials caused the disciples to remain dependent entirely upon God which served to strengthen their faith.
Traveling in poverty and weakness is an effective means of proclaiming repentance. Moreover since it is Jesus who equips His followers with His words, people who reject the message will be cut off from the kingdom of God, signified in these verses by the disciples shaking the dust from their feet.
We are not suggesting every missionary should be sent without provisions. Jesus’ instructions were specific to His time. Nevertheless the principle of total dependency remains important for all Christians. While nothing is inherently wrong with a church having a large bank balance, it is sinful when we begin to trust in money rather than Jesus. “Secure” Christianity is, at best, a powerless Christianity.
Empowered by Jesus (12–13)
The Twelve were sent without material possessions, but they went with something far more valuable; they were empowered by Jesus. The gospel message of repentance was accompanied by signs of the Kingdom — demons fled and the sick were healed. These signs and wonders could only be explained in the fact that Jesus sent and empowered the Twelve. God alone receives all the glory and praise.
The application is not that we will always see signs and wonders in our ministry; God doesn’t always choose to give the world new signs. After all the greatest sign is Christ’s resurrection; the tomb is empty. Because Jesus is alive we have confidence that He empowers us for any God-given task.
Resting with Jesus (30–32)
Between the sending and return of the disciples came the news of John the Baptist’s death. This death was a reminder the Twelve’s success with signs and wonders would not exempt them from suffering and death. Therefore the disciples needed time to withdraw and rest in preparation for ministry.
The same is true today. I have often heard in ministry, “I would rather burn out than rust out.” Neither option is good. The Bible is clear — Christians are sent into the world. At the same time we are commanded to undergo periods of rest. Jesus is looking for neither superstars nor couch potatoes. He seeks disciples who will remain faithful to the end. Let us be faithful in both going and resting in and with Jesus.
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