Mark 6:1-13 (NRSV)
Read Mark 6:1-13 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 6He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. Verse 2On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Verse 3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. Verse 4Then Jesus said to them, "Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house." Verse 5And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. Verse 6And he was amazed at their unbelief.
Then he went about among the villages teaching. Verse 7He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. Verse 8He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; Verse 9but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. Verse 10He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. Verse 11If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them." Verse 12So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. Verse 13They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Devotion
Around the Fourth of July, I rely on the hospitality of my extended family as we gather up at the lake cabin. My extended family has the gift of hospitality and they see us as their guests. It is one of the ways they live out their faith. They don’t let us bring extra stuff or pay for food or gas while we are there. We simply rely on them.
The disciples had to rely on the hospitality of strangers. “He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics.” When the disciples went out and lived off the hospitality of strangers they were showing their devotion and faith in their Lord. As disciples we are called to go out and share the Good News, trusting that God will provide. The next time you are a recipient of hospitality, give thanks. and then, welcome others as Christ has welcomed you.
Prayer
Lord, may we be your disciples in the world today, sharing hospitality with those around us and accepting your welcome with open arms. Amen.