Mark 6:6b-13 (NRSV)
Read Mark 6:6b-13 on biblegateway.com
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
Immediately on the heels of his experience of unbelieving hometown rejection, Jesus sends out his followers with authority over unclean spirits—but no apparent authority over the hearts of their audience. His instructions include a statement on what to do if and when they too find themselves rejected.
Vulnerability seems to be a built-in feature of discipleship, and it’s a precarious position to be in. Talk about packing light! They are allowed a walking stick and the sandals on their feet. That’s it! They will be completely dependent on the goodwill of strangers, with no guarantee of any good will at all.
These disciples are sent much as Ezekiel was sent: God has a word for the world, and needs someone to speak it whether it is received or not. And perhaps surprisingly, God’s response to disbelief seems to be: tell them again!
Prayer
God of love, you send us to places where we might not want to go. Give us courage to live and speak your love, no matter what. Amen.
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